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FAMSI © 2000: Thomas Mark Shelby |
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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 4 Location: The western end of the south side (front) of N10-28, from Operation 1 to core face. Objectives: To remove core to fully expose the platform of N10-28 and recover, in a systematic fashion, more stucco pieces. Stratigraphy: Two primary levels recognized, Level A represents the core layer that fills the plaza. This level consists primarily of stone with little soil. Depth is approximately three to four 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, and is approximately five to thirty-five centimeters thick. Approximate Dimensions: 2.3 m by 5.4 m. Lot Numbers: 1284, 1289, 1290, 1291, 1292, 1293. Figures: 2:14, 2:15, 2:17, 2:21b, 2:22b, 2:23-2:27
Comments: In this operation, dozens of tons of rock had to be removed, which included the recording and removal of a core face. After the debris layer was achieved, it was sectioned into one-meter increments from the southwest platform corner. In all, there were five one-meter sections, numbered Operation 4-a, 4-b, and so on. Operation 4-a was excavated out completely at once. It was noted that stucco and debris tapered down to the floor approximately a little over a meter out from the platform face. It was then decided to come down on the debris layer carefully exposing the stucco fragments, ceramics, and facing stones in situ. The result was a three and a half-meter long in situ debris layer. Lot Number 1284 Description: See under Field Operation 1. Lot Numbers 1289 to 1293 Description: Corresponds to Level B of Operation 1. Thickness of Deposit: 5 to 35 cm. Temporal Assignment: Terminal Classic. Comments: These lot numbers, all from one operation, result from the sectioning into one meter increments the demolition level, from Operation 1 to the core face that was located just west of the front stair. Numerous stucco fragments and ceramics were recovered from this area. A fragmented polychrome vessel was found in Lot 1291, although fragments were found in adjacent lots. Artifacts:
Ceramic Vessel LA 1289/1290/1291/1: large bowl, fragmented, polychrome, rounded base. Comments: Fragments of this vessel were recovered from three lot numbers, in this case a three meter wide area, indicating a forceful smashing. Other vessel clusters were located (Operation 1), all generally in association with sparse to moderate amounts of charcoal. This may represent termination rituals during the demolition of the structure. (Figure 2:18)
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