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

Field Operation 2

Location: Continuation of core removal from the rear of the area between Structure N10-15 and N10-28 proceeding north.

Objectives: To remove enough core to gain approximately a meter of the demolition level on the plaza floor. Primary objectives were to locate more stucco pieces, datable ceramics, and attempt to follow the remainder of the chopped west terrace face of N10-28 to its corner.

Stratigraphy: Two primary levels recognized, Level A represents the core layer that fills the plaza. This level consists primarily of stone with some soil. Depth is approximately two and a half to three meters. Level B corresponds to the demolition level that is atop the plaza floor. This level is characterized by a light yellowish color and the soil is relatively crumbly and sandy. Much of the color and texture is from pulverized building core, stucco, and mortar. Level B is rich in artifacts, primarily stucco and ceramics, although Level A contained more stucco fragments than its equivalent level in Operation 1.  Level B is approximately 1 to 1.5 meters thick.

Approximate Dimensions: Approximately 1 by 1.75 meters.

Lot Numbers: 1286, 1287.     Figure: 2:11

Click on image to enlarge.

Comments: This operation was terminated prematurely due to logistical problems. Work on this operation will be completed in the 2000 field season.

Lot Number 1286

Description: This lot corresponds to Level A, upper core.

Artifacts:

Thickness of Deposit: 1 to 1.75 meters.

Temporal Assignment: End of Terminal Classic, Early Postclassic.

Comments: The core in this area is more tightly packed with soil. This operation involved the removal of a late addition to N10-15, all that remained of which were a few facing stones, which were recorded and photographed prior to removal.

Lot Number 1287

Description: This is the demolition level that is atop the plaza floor, corresponds to Level B.

Artifacts:

Thickness of Deposit: 1 to 1.5 meters.

Temporal Assignment: Terminal Classic

Small Finds: LA 1287/1
     Description: Broken bivalve shell perforated close to hinge.
     L: 2.3     W: 2.0     Thickness: 0.01   Height: 0.06      Perf: 0.04

Comments: A number of stucco fragments were recovered from this level, many of which were recovered atop the terrace of N10-15.  As the façade was demolished many of the pieces, in addition to the floor between the two structures, fell on to the top of the N10-15 terrace. At the bottom of the operation, just on the plaza floor, was found the base of a wall, much like the wall that blocks access between the two structures a couple of meters to the south. Interestingly, this base abuts approximately three to four facing stones that had fallen from the N10-28 west face. Beneath these facing stones was recovered a jar fragment.

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