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FAMSI © 2002: Keith M. Prufer |
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Analysis and Conservation of a Wooden Figurine Acknowledgements The recovery of the artifact from its archaeological contexts was only a single step in the recovery of data outlined in this report. Without the help of the Foundation for the Advancement of Mesoamerican Studies, Inc. (FAMSI) we would have been unable to assure its preservation and complete documentation. I am grateful to FAMSI and to its director, Dr. Sandra Noble, for their encouragement and assistance. The assistance of the Smithsonian Center for Materials Research and Education made possible the analytical and conservation work on the figurine. Their efforts, specifically the help of Harriet Beaubien and Monica Shaw, are gratefully acknowledged. Funding for the archaeology of Xmuqlebal Xheton cave was provided in part by a grant from the National Science Foundation to Don S. Rice and Keith M. Prufer (SBR-9901265), the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program, and the most generous assistance of the Maya Mountains Archaeological Project (MMAP), Peter S. Dunham, director. Permits to the MMAP were granted by the Department of Archaeology, Government of Belize. Gratitude is due to the Archaeological Commissioner George Thompson, Dr. Alan Moore, Jon Morris, Brian Woodeye, and especially Paul Francisco who took special interest in this project. Recovery and transport of the artifact was greatly facilitated by the generous efforts of the 25 Flight of the British Army Air Corp and the British Army Training Support Unit, Belize, for helicopter support and unfailing friendship. The figurine was first noticed by my good friend and explorer of his own past Alfonso (Pancho) Chi, who had the forethought to check every nook and cranny in the cave. He made a most remarkable discovery. My understanding of the artifact has been guided by the suggestions of Don. S. Rice, Prudence M. Rice, C. Andy Hofling, Phil Wanyerka, and Linda Brown. |
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