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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 Appendix 1: General Improvement to the Bodega of Lamanai During the 1999 field season at Lamanai, described in this report, a larger than anticipated volume of cultural material was recovered. Most of this material consisted of stucco fragments. This was due primarily to the modifications to the original research design, discussed in Section 1. This expansion of the excavations prompted the need for adequate storage for the sculptural fragments. Ideally, these fragments should be stored loose on shelving, rather than in flour sacks where the pieces are more easily damaged from movement, etc. However, these shelves should be stored in a secure environment. The bodega at Lamanai is a two room concrete structure. The smaller side room has been previously used to store old equipment from the ROM’s excavations. The larger room is where artifacts from the ROM excavations are stored. This room has shelving along all available wall space with the exception of one, as well as a shelving unit down the center of the room. Approval had been granted to clear the smaller room and utilize the preexisting shelves that were along one wall. This task was done and the more elaborate stucco pieces were stored on these shelves. A contingency grant request was submitted to FAMSI via fax from the site to cover the construction of more shelving and soffit screening the bodega to keep out bats. Bat guano is highly acidic and would damage the surface of the stucco, so the elimination of bats from the bodega was of great concern. In December of 1999 I returned to Lamanai to implement these contingency measures, only to find that the small room was being utilized again for equipment storage for the DOA. The DOA has recently received IDB money to develop sites for tourism. As a result of facilities improvement, they needed the storeroom for equipment. After meeting in Belmopan with DOA officials, an alternate location was chosen along the remaining empty wall in the larger room. Workmen were hired to begin the bodega work. As a result of this new shelf location, the large bodega room needed to be cleaned and rearranged. The shelves constructed are rather deep, and should provide enough storage space for the stucco collection. However, the shelves are now located in the larger room, which has more traffic and activity, and thus is not as secure as the small storeroom would be. In response to this new situation, large storage bins and archival packing material will be used during the upcoming field season to store the more fragile fragments. The lumber was obtained in Indian Creek, one of numerous Mennonite settlements in the area. Hardware supplies were obtained in Blue Creek, Shipyard, and Orange Walk. The type of lumber used was mahogany, insuring longevity and eliminating the threat of termites. The screen used in bat-proofing was a flexible, fine screen. The lead worker employed is one of the best carpenters in the village, and did an excellent job. The holes between the wood trim and the roofing material was sealed by an expanding latex foam sealant that was brought from the United States and was applied by myself. Due to a variety of factors I could not extend my stay to supervise the bat-proofing. I made arrangements with the two workmen, advanced funds to cover any needed supplies, and left money for wages in the care of fellow archaeologists at the Lamanai Field Research Centre. This task has been completed and the bodega is now, hopefully, free of bats. General improvements were also performed one afternoon by trimming a number of overhanging limbs and spreading gravel around the bodega entrance.
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