Report of the 1998 and 1999 Investigations on the Archaeology and Iconography of the Polychrome Stucco Façade of Structure N10-28, Lamanai, Belize

Structure N10-28

Structure N10-28 (Figures 2:6 - 2:7) is the smallest structure in the N10-3 group and occupies the northeast corner of the complex. It was probably the last major addition to this group and was constructed about A.D. 925-950.  "Plan and exterior surface features suggest that the structure did not serve as a dwelling, but rather may have functioned as a semipublic element in the group, perhaps with a combination of secular and ceremonial use" (Pendergast 1985:93).

Click on image to enlarge.

Click on image to enlarge.

During the original ROM Lamanai Project, Plaza N10-3 was under excavation during the 1981 and 1982 field seasons. Work primarily concentrated on the removal of core in an attempt to expose the faces of some of the structures that surrounded the original plaza. Structure N10-28 was discovered during work on N10-17, late in the 1981 field season, thus being out of number sequence with the rest of the structures. Only the west and south (front) faces of N10-28 were uncovered, and only part of its front platform. Large quantities of stucco were recovered from the demolition level along these sides and from atop the platform.

This structure experienced at least one major modification, which involved the front terrace and not the primary structure itself, although there were a number of minor modifications to the interior rooms. The structure is composed of two rows of rooms that were roofed by two long vaults. As of July of 1999, nine rooms have been excavated.

The N10-28 substructure closely approximates the superstructure on its west and east sides, projecting only along the front, or south, side. This terrace appears to have experienced two phases of construction. The earlier terrace was located around the central doorway, and was then modified by extending the terrace to the west and east ends of the building.

The substructure, as seen on the west and east sides, are characterized by a series of small setbacks and angles. Much of the original plaster, painted red, still adheres to the substructure face and plaza floor in some areas. These distinct setbacks are not continued on to the front terrace modification, the masonry of the latter being different and not as uniform. Though two phases of terrace construction undoubtedly exist, a joint where they meet could not be determined.

The masonry of the front stair of N10-28 is generally large, rather uniform, and formed of vertically set stones. However, the top step is composed of small stones lain horizontally. This stair, which was modified once, is flanked by stairside outsets. An axial trench excavated by Pendergast in 1981, which did not recover any caches, did reveal that N10-28 is primary to the uppermost of two plaza floors (Pendergast, personal communication).

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