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

Removal of the N10-3 Plaza Core

A brief mention should be made here about the plaza core. The estimated 21,000 tons of core that fills this plaza makes removal a daunting task (logistically and financially). Areas of core removal have primarily been around the front of the north end of Structure N10-18, the front of the west side of N10-15, the east side of the front of N10-28, between the latter two structures, and the entire front of N10-17.  As discussed in Operation 4, the remaining front core was removed from N10-28 to allow the recovery operation of more stucco pieces, as well as to fully expose the front platform.

After this work was completed, work began on the removal of core from the front of N10-15, from its primary axis eastward to meet up with work on N10-28, and subsequently exposed a portion of the N10-15 stair (Figure 2:28). This work involved the removal of a larger volume of core, as N10-15 is larger than N10-28.  In this area the core was slightly deeper as well, increasing the tonnage of rock to be removed.

Click on image to enlarge.

Based on work from the original ROM Lamanai Project and the work done this past year, a number of observations can be made concerning the plaza core. It is quite probable that the entire plaza was filled in with task units, as core faces were located in various areas (Pendergast, personal communication). Two of these core faces were located in front of and within N10-28.  Core faces are distinguished from loose core in that the stones have been carefully dry-laid, forming a vertical or near-vertical face (Loten and Pendergast 1984:7). Caches were also found throughout the core, usually in association with a core face or task unit (Pendergast, personal communication). Burials were also found just below the latest upper plaza level, and were generally associated with the Postclassic platforms that were constructed atop the filled complex. An example of this is the burial found in the core atop N10-28 which contained Postclassic vessels. In addition, during the removal of core from the front of N10-15, an area of artifacts in rich black soil was encountered, and probably represented a Postclassic dwelling. Objects recovered include net sinkers, obsidian blades, stone tools, and several unique pieces of pottery.

The core itself is dry lain, with little dirt between the stones. The surface of the core, representing the general level of the new plaza floor, is characterized by approximately a half meter of very dark soil. In some areas, such as in Operation 3, the soil can be considered midden.

In the future it is hoped the complete removal of the core from the plaza can be achieved, providing a striking new perspective on the N10-3 group, enhancing the area for the increasing number of tourists who visit the site, and providing information on the construction history of the N10-3 Plaza core.

Previous Page  |  Table of Contents  |  Next Page

Return to top of page