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

Field Operations and Artifacts

In the following sections each field operation is described and associated artifacts are listed. Excavations carried out in 1999 on Structure N10-28 were assigned a general operations number to identify architectural investigations within the Lamanai Archaeological Project system. This number, OP99-6, encompasses excavations carried out in July of 1999 by the author.

A datum was established on the west wall of Structure N10-28 near the structure’s southwest corner. It is a nail one course down and one stone back from the corner (10.5 cm down from top of wall and 19.5 cm north from southwest corner along west wall). All vertical measurements were taken from this datum.

In addition, a grid system was established throughout the N10-3 group to redraw the plan of Structure N10-28 as well as map the entire group for field school exercises. To insure continuity in the mapping next year, three benchmarks were established and formed with aluminum pipe and poured concrete.

A photography platform was established approximately 10 to 12 meters up in a massive strangler fig that is growing in the northwestern area of Structure N10-28.  This was done by nailing cut limbs to the trunk of the tree, trimming appropriate limbs that blocked particular views, and once inside the safety of the limb canopy, a number of sweeping views of the excavations were possible.

In addition, the project seemed to involve more engineering than archaeology at times, with the need for people to move around the structure easily as well as transporting equipment and rock. The need to construct ladders, ramps, and lifting mechanisms from jungle timber provided an important lesson in logistical planning and the ability to work with limited resources.

Previous Page  |  Table of Contents  |  Next Page

Return to top of page