XXII Symposium of archaeological investigations in

Archaeological sites in the Maya area: a conservation challenge

summary

XXII Symposium of archaeological investigations in Guatemala

Archaeological sites in the Maya area: a conservation challenge

summary Copyright © 2009, J. Paul Getty Trust

Every effort has been made to contact the copyright holders of the material in this document and to obtain permission to publish. Any omissions will be corrected in future volumes if the publisher is notified in writing.

Cover photograph by Jorge Valencia García

The Getty Conservation Institute 1200 Getty Center Drive, Suite 700 Los Angeles, CA 90049-1684 Telephone 310-440-7325 Fax 310-440-7709 E-mail [email protected] www.getty.edu/conservation

Editors Carolina Castellanos Françoise Descamps with the collaboration of: The Getty Conservation Institute works internationally to advance conservation prac- Jennifer Carballo tice in the visual arts—broadly interpreted to include objects, collections, architecture, and sites. The Institute serves the conservation community through scientific research, Designer education and training, model field projects, and the dissemination of the results of both Soluciones de Comunicación its own work and the work of others in the field. In all its endeavors, the GCI focuses on www.sol-com.com the creation and delivery of knowledge that will benefit the professionals and organiza- Mónica Rodríguez de la Parra tions responsible for the conservation of the world’s cultural heritage. XXII Symposium of archaeological investigations in Guatemala

Archaeological sites in the Maya area: a conservation challenge

summary

XXII Symposium of archaeological investigations in Guatemala

Archaeological sites in the Maya area: a conservation challenge

Table of contents

1. Preface 7

2. Introduction 9

3. Structure and content of the discussion panel 13

4. Considerations derived from the discussion panel 17 5 Table of contents Table 5. Panel schedule 21

6. Abstracts 23

7. Author biographies 27

dertook a conservation management planning project america,ConservationGettythe Institute un(GCI) toric heritage conservation project focused on Meso hisInitiative,Mayaathe Within framework ofthe of projects at specific sites. change information and to present the latest progress inGuatemala and the Maya region as awhole to ex hundredprofessionals carrying outresearch projects Each year, this forum brings together more than three sium of Archaeological Investigations in Guatemala. Sympo the organize to Ethnology and chaeology Ar for Museum National the with and Guatemala ininstitutions heritage withcollaborated have they 1987,entities.Sincesimilar andmuseumssupports ritage, implements study and research programs, and motes the dissemination of knowledge about this he thecultural traditions oftoday. The Associationpro on andGuatemala in heritagehistoric and lumbian efforts on the protection and itsconservation centers of pre-Co It City. Guatemala in 1964 in founded entity, cultural nonprofit a TikalAssociationTheis articulated and sustainable actions at sites. implementtoneed underscored,thebeen as well as has action any to prior possibilities conservation consideringimportanceofthe years recent in tures, been concern about the decay of materials and struc important historic legacy. Although there has always this presentationof understandingand the enhance chanismsand to design intervention alternatives that havebeen developed to better understand decay me archaeological research has progressed, new methods of numerous research and conservation programs.center the As be to continues and century 19th the ce thefocus of attention of scholars and academics sin and Central America. The has been territoryatoday thatincludesin portions Mexicoof developing world, the of traditions cultural great T Preface he cultural groups that developed through through developed that groups cultural he time in the Maya area constituted one of the the of one constituted area Maya the in time ------conservation challenge, developed for the XXII Sym vationpanel Archaeologicalsites intheMaya area: a Thispublication presents theresults from theconser to site presentation. phases of an archaeological project, from excavation ring and integrating conservation during the different symposium,highlightimportancetotheconside of ganizers the structuring of a conservation panel in the in the region, the GCI proposed to the symposium or from these projects and other conservation programs results the shareToHonduras. Copán, of Stairway nition of a conservation strategy for the Hieroglyphic for the study of the state of conservation and the defi at Joya de Cerén in and the methodology Panel moderators Françoise DescampsandJuan Antonio Valdés panel. institutionswho worked to develop and organize the numerousindividualsparticipatingfromandnelists the organizing committee for the symposium, the pa TikaltheAssociation, of members the tributionsof possiblewithout the valuable beencollaboration and con have not would meeting the of success The conservation and management. site sustainabilityfor of importance the and borate disciplines different colla how reflects it as ritage, research,conservation anduse ofarchaeological he Thispublication constitutes importantan thestep in sion of this publication. full presentations are only included in the Spanish ver of the presentations and their respective abstracts. The presentationof sites in the Maya region, the schedule research, conservation the and ticipants involved in duringthe panel between professionals and other par theconclusions derived from thedynamic discussion presentation of the structure and contents of the panel, theMaya area and the work carried out by the GCI, a mala.The publication includes briefa introduction to Guate Archaeological Investigations in of posium ------

Preface 7 aedr iie it 1 mnh o 2 dy plus days 20 of months 18 into divided calendar 365-day a and pyramids stepped of sacrifice, construction human writing, hieroglyphic riculture, ag burn and slash ballcourts, of construction the include cultures Mesoamerican characterize that Features responses. various develop to portunities op and conditions inhabitants offering by cesses, pro development in role important an played also environments natural of diversity the areas; ferent organizations. Arts and sciences had specific characteristics in dif religious and economic political, social, complex evidence that etc. architecture, art, cities, great the in reflected sophistication, cultural of level high a reached area the in Variousgroups of . features and traditions so-called the under groups different integrated later which created was form plat cultural a that centuries, several across ring occur people, of interrelation the through only is It distance. considerable a by separated and places, can groups were generated at different moments and Mesoameri of typical as considered later were that Features aspects. in cultural variations significant and shifts territorial had evidently Mesoamerica in cultures evolution, of years 3,000 than more Over Nicaragua andCostaRica. , El Salvador and some portions of , Guatemala, , southern and central includes and latitude northern 22º and 10º between area an encompasses 1943, in Kirchhoff Paul by such as they thrived. This cultural region, first denominated which in ecosystems the and time through it ated C conservation ofheritage the Mayaarea andchallengesfor the Preliminary considerationsabout Carolina Castellanos Introduction is as rich and diverse as the cultures that cre that cultures the as diverse and rich as is Mesoamerica in heritage natural and ultural ------religious andpoliticalelites. and farmers artisans, warriors, merchants, cluded in that groups into differentiated and hierarchical the and Aztecs (called days extra five of month one nism, inherent to material properties and behavior, and properties material to inherent nism, mecha a also is decay However, etc. pollutants, such as water, temperature, wind, biological agents, agents, several or one by initiated transformation the materials themselves. Decay is considered as the as well as technology construction and design text, con cultural climate, as such factors on depending feature, decorated or building same the within even and site to site from varies deterioration Material management practices. and conservation inadequate derived effects from the and themselves materials of transformations specific the as well as environment the to inherent conditions the both consider must projects conservation Consequently, mechanisms. tion of all factors involved in complex deterioration interrela the understand to as so needed is analysis methodological and knowledge precise a issue, this address To materials. construction prehispanic of deterioration the is significant most the of One es. plac heritage of management and conservation the for challenge significant a entails features cultural and materials of diversity The materials. struction con certain of availability the and ideologies lar and architectural technology, responding to particu features stylistic different reflect consequently and different groups to their environment and landscape of adaptation the reflect periods, different through developed area, Maya the in sites Archaeological uayeb by the Maya). Societies were Societies Maya). the by nemontemi by ------

Introduction 9 10

XXII Symposium of archaeological investigations in Guatemala tal conditionssoastoreachequilibrium. environmen specific in stabilize to attempts which denced today can be attributed to prior interventions. evi mechanisms decay the of Unfortunately,some toallow situ. in remains archaeological of exhibition the for required are resources financial as well as efforts significant conditions, these address To responsible forvandalism. being cases, some in and, erosion surface ducing pro by example, for indirectly, and directly decay material to contribute Visitorsetc. rain, acid tions, condi climatic affect that deforestation, including environment, the in con transformations a of sequence as decay promote also activities Human for microbiologicalandvegetationgrowth. conditions adequate creates and crystallization and among other effects. It also promotes salt migration disaggregation, loss, and resistance material material decreased in result that processes chemical and mechanical promotes it because factor sential es an is humidity cases, most In influences. local specific or levels humidity in fluctuations changes, These processes can be exacerbated by temperature disaggregation. mechanical as such processes, cal or humidity penetration) or it can result from physi water from derived process (a stone the of core the version of minerals and binding materials that form con chemical the from result can alterations stone example, For easily. disassociated be cannot and linked closely are processes these for effects and of processes: physical and chemical, and the causes Deterioration is considered as the result of two types oh nevnin rqie aacn dvre is diverse balancing require interventions Both sites. archaeological at interventions controversial remain reburial and shelters Protective lacunae. of restorations complete even and microbiological removal, growth and salt cleanings, mechanical and chemical consolidation, surface interventions, structural include date to out carried interventions the of Most term. long and short the in results their evaluated having without used were materials new causes and effects of material decay; in other cases, able technology but without taking into account the avail the with implemented were these of Many ------s otn ad h eooia ad oil impacts social and ecological the and looting as such solved, comprehensively been not have that problems critical are there Likewise, terventions. in sustainable and adequate efficient, for methods and alternatives the and area the of conditions tal environmen the to materials prehispanic of ability vulner the including addressed, holistically be to have that needs important still are there 19th century, early the since underscored been have area Even though research and conservation in the Maya the valuesofplace. impact undoubtedly and conditions environmental new generate or alter remains, archaeological other interventions change the context of the place, affect these Also, resources. financial and material man, maintenance possibilities and the availability of hu long-term to considerations technical from sues, The working meetings included staff members of the 1998. and 1995 between (Guatemala) Antigua and workingmeetings Losin Angeles,Mérida (Mexico) Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala, as well as during developedout ofdiscussions held during visits toEl project The area. Maya the in heritagecultural for projectcollaborationin withinstitutions responsible Initiative Maya the implemented has (GCI) stitute ConservationGettyyears,theeight pastIn the For Maya Initiative The GettyConservationInstitute’s sponsibilities forthefuture. re the and present the of needs the with past the of values the balance and preserve to is challenge The area. Maya the in sites presentation archaeological at practices and conservation research, current enhance and forward move to continue to ements el critical are learned lessons and stories Success ferent groups. dif by areas significant as recognition and rization valo their impact and sites, archaeological of state current the influence and role a play elements these All practices. tourism unregulated including ment, develop uncontrolled and unplanned from derived ------intervention proposals,andother topics. as well as the analysis of materials, development of issues, methodological of terms in both audience, disseminate the results of these to projects to a broader working now is GCI The concluded. formally de were Honduras in Copán and Salvador Joya El in Cerén at undertaken projects 2007, of June In cal remainsandsitepresentation. archaeologi effectson their and shelters protective and requirements and criteria for the construction of options, conservation appropriate in and monuments issues structural address to methodologies of development deterioration, mitigate to alternatives and stone) and earth (mainly materials construction ment planning, research on the decay of prehispanic These projects included, among others, site manage mon interesttoparticipatingcountries. com of projects of development the through area Maya the in heritage cultural of conservation the tiative had a regional focus that sought to strengthen Consequently,Ini conservation. Maya heritage the for alternatives holistic and feasible generate will that methodologies of promotion and development the on rather but projects field its in interventions specific on focus not does GCI the respect, this In essential toavitalandcivilsociety. are enjoyment aesthetic and creativity, awareness, arts in all their dimensions, recognizing that cultural visual the on focuses that institution philanthropic the J. Paul Getty Trust, an international cultural and servation of the visual arts. The GCI is a program of con the for responsible organizations and sionals profes the benefit will that knowledge of delivery and creation the on In focuses GCI the media. programs, its various in information of semination dis the and training, and education projects, field research, scientific through conservation of field the advance to internationally works which GCI, the of mission the within falls Initiative Maya The Guatemala and IHAH in Honduras. tutions such as Concultura in El Salvador, IDAEH in GCIand representatives from cultural heritage insti ------these heritage sites, as well as a broader audience broader a as well as sites, heritage these to related decision-makers and field the in sionals profes for both use of be will discussion guided the from results the that expected is It them. dress being faced today and the diverse approaches to ad conditions the discuss to area the from researchers gather to panel conservation a structure to posium Sym XXII the of organizers the with coordinated GCI the level, regional the at Symposium the of importance the and projects Initiative Maya the of dissemination for need the Considering area. Maya the in management and conservation research, site tant forum in the region to discuss themes related to Guatemala is organized annually and it is an impor The Symposium of Archaeological Investigations in Investigations inGuatemala The Symposiumof Archaeological involved witharchaeologicalheritage. - - - -

Introduction 11

• • • themes: main three of analysis critical the on intensive, focused and small, be to structured was panel The • • • • The objectivesofthepanelwereto: sector. archaeologists and representatives from the tourism conservators, managers, site scientists, including professionals, of range diverse a includesaudience, publication the as well as participants, Guatemala, of Symposium the in Investigations Archaeological of context the within occur to designed was panel the that Given field. the in practitioners for useful recommendations identify to and knowledge and cal sites in the Maya area so as to share experiences archaeologi of presentation and conservation tion, T Structure andcontentofthediscussionpanel conservation and presentation. values, attainingsustainability andbalancing and tive protectionmeasures(shelters, reburial,etc.); odological approaches,interventionsandalterna servation; presentation atarchaeologicalsites. decision-making forresearch,conservationand mentation indifferent contexts;and site managementandplanimple cal frameworksattheinternationallevel; sentation ofcasestudies; presentation intheMayaarea,throughpre archaeological siteresearch,conservationand Site management:challenges inreconciling Conservation ofarchaeologicalmaterials:meth Integration ofarchaeologicalresearchandcon Evaluate thediversecircumstancesthatinfluence Explore different approachestoarchaeological Contrast interventionsatthesiteleveltotheoreti Examine diversemethodologicalapproachesto rfsinl wt eprie n h investiga the in expertise with professionals together bring to was panel this of purpose he ------context, and there are often conflicts between the between conflicts often are there and context, andsocial political broader the by influenced ten of are decisions conservation archaeological ever, How needs. conservation and stabilization foresee terials; consequently most research projects need to raises concerns for the conservation of exposed ma immediately remains archaeological of Excavation search andconservation Integration ofarchaeological re Theme 1: lack of maintenance, analyzing the specific case of case specific the analyzing maintenance, of lack archaeological sites deeply impacted by looting and at conditions the addressing when faced challenges significant the presented Fialko Vilma out. carried interventions the for implications and servation, con and research for Mexico, Yaxchilán, of case the in used approach conceptual the substantiate to charters and texts conservation seminal to ence refer making conservation, for principles and phy Daniel Juárez presented an overview of the philoso logical heritage. common archaeo to regard in practitioners as responsibility the and conservation and between interest of conflicts the and objectives; research archaeological on conditions conservation by imposed limitations the practices; conservation and research archaeological integrated for cations impli resource financial and human relationships; working effective impede that factors the and tion conserva and archaeology between collaboration of importance the design; project archaeological or decision-making in integration its and cipline dis a as conservation of role the included theme this in speakers by considered were that Questions cal matter. techni a solely considered are endeavors servation con when particularly disciplines, both of interests ------

Structure and content of the discussion panel 13 14

XXII Symposium of archaeological investigations in Guatemala atthe site. Richard Hansen and his co-authors spoke date to progressmadetheNaranjo, Guatemala, and ac o rsac ad cin t mtgt deterio mitigate to actions and research of tance impor the and knowledge in gaps on focusing by processes decay addressed theme this in Speakers pose ontheintegrityofarchaeologicalsites. are often controversial decisions for the impact they shelters, protective as such measures, alternative Other environment. reburied the in sought is rium equilib as processes new undergo will materials as solution simple a not is conservation, without excavation, upon reburial However, environment. exposure new the in stabilize materials as gressive pro becomes on later and exposure upon celerated and buried ac is decay.Deterioration of were cycles new promotes sites which in period the over reached equilibrium the breaks materials cavating natural environments in which sites are located. Ex different the as well as mechanisms decay and ties proper physical of terms poses in challenges significant materials archaeological of Conservation res (shelters,reburial, etc.) interventions andalternativemeasu terials: methodologicalapproaches, Conservation ofarchaeological ma Theme 2: sentation of the site’s cultural and natural heritage. tions carried out to date for the conservation and pre discussionthe themespaneltheinterventheandof MiradorGuatemalaofcaseaboutintheillustrate to ability ofresources. continuous process, and its implications on sustain a as monitoring and maintenance and capacity; cal techni of importance the efficacy; and reversibility compatibility, of notions the significance; and ues conservation interventions and their impacts on val ventions as a source of deterioration); the impact of inter (conservation decisions unsubstantiated prior of consequences the conditions; specific to respond should action of courses and sites all to applicable is solution single no since alternatives, servation con or interventions on limitations factors; ration ------Site management:challengesin Theme 3: guarantee theunderstandingofdecayphenomena. the sustainability of the implemented actions and to ensure to monitoring and recording observation, of importance the underscoring conditions, current its to excavations archaeological first the from temala, Gua , of case the in faced challenges the on reflected Larios Rudy plan. monitoring and nance mainte conservation, its for proposals specific the presented also They Honduras. Copán, in Stairway Hieroglyphic the of case exceptional the for ment develop proposal and assessment study, tematic sys the for designed methodology the discussed Thomas Roby, Eliud Guerra and Rufino Membreño investments and the availability of resources; tech resources; of availability the and investments sustained of importance the were considered Also strategies. of implementation the in and resources heritage of use the in sustainability par and ticipation; sustain to mechanisms and inclusion social rights, indigenous life, of ways traditions, of tion valoriza and respect the to regard in landscape ral natu and cultural a of management the velopment; real benefits to communities and contribution to de and tangible tourism, of terms in sites chaeological ar of use” “good the cooperation; international for mechanism a as interests of reconciliation for tool a as and sectors, and disciplines different among tool integrative an as planning of role the cesses; pro planning management of analysis the prised com presenters by considered issues the of Some servation andmanagementpractices. con holistic hinder that values conflicting and ity Cross-cutting issues include sustainability, continu context. particular each in face to challenges and cal approaches to establishing management systems chaeological sites. There are different methodologi ar affecting conditions to response comprehensive most the as recognized been long has Management and presentation nability andbalancingconservation reconciling values,attaining sustai ------be reached. needs of heritage, visitors and local communities to the between balance a for allow that sites logical archaeo at intervention of degrees the and tation presen on reflect to date to exist that texts mental funda the examined She development. community local for axis the as site archaeological an of use of in Belize, analyzing the presentation and case the discussed Ford Anabel projects. of ability lighted the importance of continuity for the sustain high and plan management the of implementation the in today faced challenges the about thoughts included They practice. into planning of theory byputting a they learned lessons the on reflecting Salvador, El in Cerén de Joya of case the sented pre Descamps Françoise and Castellanos Carolina process. use, etc.); and the notion of management as a cyclic land (development, agendas macro in heritage cal archaeologi integrate to as so synergies, and ances alli strategic of importance the decisions; of lation articu the for and cooperation managing for tool a as documentation on focusing particularly making, nical capacity; levels of responsibility and decision------

Structure and content of the discussion panel 15 16

XXII Symposium of archaeological investigations in Guatemala the scope of the task, if, for example, an area or or area an example, for if, task, the of limit scope or the research further of possibility the clude pre might needs conservation as disciplines both between interest of conflicts are there Frequently projects. conservation of design be the in considered must research archaeological of foundations and directives the Also projects. archaeological in endeavor technical a as only not and approaches, and methods scientific with field, professional a as integrated fully be to yet has Conservation logy. archaeo of goals and objectives the understand to not have trained been often conservators Likewise, students. their to message conservation the convey not do still schools archaeological many because also and field professional a as conservation about knowledge limited the to due largely is This fields. between paration the and archaeology conservation se to be a professional continues there In practice, tors areinvolvedinthatplanning. conserva and projects research archaeological of stages planning the from considered are needs tion quently, it is critical that stabilization and conserva Conse burial. during stability them given had that ddenly exposed to different conditions than the ones su are that materials conserve to need the creates immediately excavation archaeological First, pics. to of and variety a archaeology considered panelists conservation, of integration the to regard In develop ment, werealsoexamined. and heritage between and presentation and the balance between research, conservation and conservation, towards approaches and criteria rrent cu to related issues addition, In management. site and conservation, the conservation of materials and research archaeological of integration the namely, themes, the of each address to issues of sessment T the discussionpanel Considerations derivedfrom cussion of the presented papers and guided as guided and papers presented the of cussion dis the on focused panel the of session last he ------uh osdrto etis utie investments sustained entails consideration Such factors and to slow their speed and rate of influence. decay mitigate to achieved, been has stabilization once critical is maintenance where process tinuous con a is It ends. never conservation projects, tion excava Unlike entails. conservation chaeological ar resources financial and human the to pertaining considerations by influenced closely also is This is recommended. excavation not its and fragile extremely is sector These effects can be further exacerbated by cultural as they seek a new stabilization in the environment. materials the in changes and decay to leads which adaptation, of process gradual a continue materials the then and exposure, upon shock a decay,almost of period dramatic a cause to deemed is cavation ex Therefore, conditions. burial these under bility sta of state a reached have they that recognize to important is it conservation, of state good a in be not may elements decorative and structures buried Although period. burial the during achieved have materials that balance the breaks excavation gical Archaeolo points. following the highlighted sions discus materials, of conservation the of terms In tage sitesarerecognized. heri of safeguarding the in responsibilities when shared conservation site in progress be will there Similarly,sites. exposed of maintenance and vation ration of existing resources to guarantee the conser conside with and objectives, research fit that areas excavation defined precisely with context, plinary transdisci and multi- a within place takes making decision- when overcome be can difficulties These sion-making. deci of core the at is conservation if undertaken be to excavations of extent and level the influences it consequently so sites, for guaranteed rarely are that ------

Considerations derived from the discussion panel 17 18

XXII Symposium of archaeological investigations in Guatemala ting and inadequate conservation measures, among measures, conservation inadequate and ting loo visitors, of control of lack including factors, nalsandtechnicians insufficientis addressto the di professiotrained of number Thesites. ofdirectors conservatorsinterventionstheandout carryto who technicalpersonnelthe fromlevels,several on curs occapacity,technicalwhichto regard with region In addition, there are still important limitations in the have onotherfactors. impact in the short and long term or the impact they to be implemented without taking into account their continue actions and policy, regional clear a come be to yet has this But alternatives. sustainable and appropriate of recognition slow the to led has this and alteration, or loss subsequent in interventions poor of role the concerning learned been already region. the in stone certain of decay of rate accelerated the ning are still gaps in knowledge, for example, for explai there also interventions; for techniques and terials ma different of use the and growth, biological and micro of role the to regard in continue Discussions challenges. conservation address sustainably and holistically to limitations of recognition the and na progress in terms of understanding decay phenome Conservation as a field has accomplished significant ment isgenerated. environ stable more a and controlled, is exposure cultural and environmental as much as in mitigated quent adaptation period. However, decay factors are new “shock” upon reburial that also entails a subse rial can bring about decay, as materials will suffer a rebu even that underscore to important is It others. possibility of doing scientific analysis later on, but on, later analysis scientific doing ofpossibility materialemployed,still irreversibleis altersandthe ofsurfaces, notwithstanding thecompatibility ofthe the values of a place. For example, the consolidation theimpactsesis conservation interventions haveon tions that is only superficially considered in most ca implica significant with aspect importantAnother this front is foreseen in the short term. ties are still limited so no substantial improvement on Trainingprogramscapacityand building opportuni versity and magnitude of problems in the Maya area. Tohave lessons important date, lime ����� ------motn dsusos f lentv maue for measures alternative of discussions important adequacy of materials in this respect. There are also the to according interventions of selection the and bating the notions of compatibility and reversibility de continues area Maya the in discipline a as tion conserva values, on discussion the to addition In interventions for each place. effective appropriatedecision-makingdefine and to guide will that elements the are these and tinctive, dis significant and it makecharacteristics thatand imbedsspecific, site differenteach is caseas values derscored enough. There is no recipe to follow; each un be multi-disciplinarycannotproject a for need the possible; information of amount largest the by substantiated and process informed an be to needs ment can be lost forever. Therefore, decision-making without this consolidation treatment a decorative ele ways oflifeandknow-how, amongothers. traditions, as such aspects intangible including pes, pect for the values of the social and natural landsca res and inclusion social broad encourage that ses proces promote to is consciousness collective this foster to mechanism The regional. the to local the among different stakeholders and at all levels, from responsibilities shared of notion the strengthening way to secure sustainable conservation was through only the that agreed panelists approach, the ding notwithstan However, highlighted. were tiatives ini value-driven and discussed were processes and As for site management, methodological approaches and presentheritagesites. conserve research, to future the in exist might that possibilities the about thinking public, the to them nary principle in excavating additional sites to open precautio a for called panelists Thus irreversible. is change the upon, intervened or touched been has fabric physical the Once presentation. to servation racter of all these processes, from excavation to con cha irreversibility the highlighted also Participants conservation. their to guarantee context, specific the to according possibility, the and place the of values the account into taking evaluated be to have would options these interventions, direct Like rial. rebu and shelters protective as such intervention, ------and sustaineddecision-making. not an end unto itself; it is only a tool for integrated emphasized. However, it was noted that planning is decision-making and promoting continuity was articulating also to importance Its level. international the at resources of coordination for and interests se diver of reconciliation and negotiation the for and respect, planning is an essential this tool for sectorial integration In efforts. of duplicity avoid to and maximum, the to used are they that so out, pointed also was opportunities collaborative of advantage take to and synergies and alliances create to need accountability. The and obligations with along fied identi be to need also decision-making in sibility respon of levels Precise skills. traditional and how know- of promotion the include to also but training pacity building endeavors, not only for professional ca generating and creating on work to critical is It and withoutmaintenance. fic interventions that occur once a site is abandoned that continuous investment is less costly than speci fact the to emphasis gave panelists and discussed, also was self-sustainability generate to investment continuous a having of importance The it. rantee gua to resources human and material financial, re secu to need the and strategies and of implementation design the for noted also was Sustainability servation andmanagement. termcon long possibilitiesfor specific the text and con their sites, of values the to according made be to need decisions Rather, vegetation). cleared and temples reconstructed (with way same the treated be can sites all notdiscussed,considering thatalso clearpolicies for research, conservation and use was social sectors can be achieved. The need to establish other and populations local for benefits sustainable and tangible real, that so tourism, as such variable, one on only not depend that alternatives of design the entails use good that highlighted Panelists etc. communities, local of development the promotes that tourism of type the to pertains it as ticularly par discussed, was sites of use good the respect, this In heritage. natural and archaeological of use the sustainability in was issue underscored Another ------cies, banks, foundations and other financial organi financial other and foundations banks, cies, agen development that role the mind, in this With on different levels. identity and pride fosters that society and heritage needs of society, generating an articulation between current the to way tangible and real a in contribute will heritage and achieved, be will country each in agendas macro other with agenda conservation the of integration larger a recognition, this in made is progress and As others. fabric among concerns, social development as such issues on placed be to needs Attention place. heritage the impact directly for development and others that can directly and in the physical on fabric to include collaboration with actions interventions beyond goes that endeavor an as considered and examined was conservation heritage archaeological of notion the addition, In before. highlighted issues other to addition in addressed be to need will and exploration further require llenges ween authorities and indigenous groups. These cha bet schemes co-management for trends new and practices at many sites, the respect for human rights ancestral have still that cultures various for places of sacredness the of recognition the traditions, of worthy of attention at this time include the recovery are that aspects other area, Maya the of case the In could derive. use its benefits economic potential the from aside place heritage the of safeguarding the and vation conser integrated an guarantee to requirements the outline to essential is It development. frastructure in to compared be to continue and understood not are processes these if conservation and research in to be halted. It is difficult to maintain high standards sure to intervene at sites for tourism purposes needs pres and ones economic to limited be only cannot sites archaeological of benefits perceived The sed. zations play in decision-making at sites was discus ------

Considerations derived from the discussion panel 19 20

XXII Symposium of archaeological investigations in Guatemala Panel schedule 12:00 –13:00 11:20 –12:00 10:00 –11:00 10:20 –10:40 10:00 –10:20 10:40 –11:00 11:00 –11:20 11:20 –11:40 11:40 -12:00 9:00 –10:00 9:40 –10:00 9:20 –9:40 9:00 –9:20 XXII Symposiumof Archaeological InvestigationsinGuatemala Archaeological sitesintheMayaarea:aconservationchallenge Museo Nacionalde Arqueología yEtnologíadeGuatemala Françoise Descamps andJuan Antonio Valdés heritage conservationanddevelopment. balancebetween use; public and conservation research, between balance field; the in experience of years 30 of evaluation and conservation site to approaches Current Discussion panelonkeyissues: Archaeology undertheMayaforestcanopy Carolina CastellanosandFrançoiseDescamps de Cerén, ElSalvador Joya of case the management: heritage for models planning of Implementation ity andbalancingconservationpresentation Theme 3: Site management: challenges in reconciling values, attaining sustainabil Coffee break Seiichi Nakamura region: thecasesofCopánand Tikal Investigative tunneling issues in the conservation of World Heritage sites in the Maya Carlos RudyLariosVillalta The challengeofconserving Tikal, Guatemala Thomas Roby, EliudGuerraandRufinoMembreño vention planning inter for basis a as time over monitoring and assessment condition Interdisciplinary Copán: in Stairway Hieroglyphic the of conservation situ in the for case the Making interventions andalternativemeasures(shelters,reburial,etc.) approaches, methodological materials: archaeological of Conservation 2: Theme terroso Rosado Richard D. Hansen, Edgar O. Suyuc-Ley, Enrique Monterroso Tun and Enrique Mon Guatemala Archaeological andecologicalresearchconservationintheMiradorBasin, Vilma Fialko Issues intherescueandconservationofElNaranjo Daniel Juárez Cossío Conservation alternativesandthe Yaxchilán Projectduringthe1970s Theme 1:Integrationofarchaeologicalresearchandconservation July 21–25,2008 Tuesday, July22 - - -

Panel schedule 21 22

XXII Symposium of archaeological investigations in Guatemala for adequate security.adequate Worldfor The Fund Monuments and sculptures, and architecture exposed of vation conser the for resources limited of problems faces fered by began in 2002, a slow process that suf damage the of documentation and rescue The site’s center and vast periphery have been disturbed. estimated that ninety-five percent of buildings in the its sculpture, architecture and ceramic artifacts. It is of terms in looted extensively been has Tikal,after region, Petén largestnortheastern second the in site the considered Naranjo, of city Maya ancient The Vilma Fialko of ElNaranjo,Guatemala Issues intherescue andconservation will beevaluated. project the of results the mind, in perspective this the restoration and presentation of the site. Keeping a in criteria followed examine the to which by means provides and framed, was itself Project chilán Yaxthe how of understanding better a for allows background This summarized. briefly is 1960s, the to breakdown of anthropological work at the end of prior Mexico, in developed were programs vation conser and research archaeological various which in context, historical The latter. the on emphasis special a with activities, conservation and research both of scope the on focusing Chiapas, in Project the of activities the Yaxchilánguided that approach general the present to is paper this of objective The Daniel JuárezCossío the 1970s Yaxchilán Project, Mexico,during Conservation alternativesandthe Integration ofarchaeologicalresearchandconservation Theme 1: Abstracts - - - - of thispaper. component important an comprise which of results the study, feasibility a sponsored organization this Naranjo, of stabilization the attain to process the of 100 Most Endangered Sites in the world, and as part the of List Watchits on Naranjo included (WMF) ecosystem. complete a of conservation holistic the with along visitors for site the of development the promote to the overall objectives of the project is collaboration of One site. the of area each of characteristics the appropriate and innovative methodology adapted to an of implementation the forced have and art, tural architec and remains architectural certain of bition the project have focused on the protection and exhi of efforts main The discussed. be will site, the of understanding visitor facilitates natural and conservation, and cultural both promotes information, archaeological of collection the optimizes Mirador, which El at implemented been has that ology method the and ways, various in innovative been Mirador.El has of project site The the at especially environment, natural and sites archaeological sin’s Ba Mirador the of valorization and conservation the on Natural, y Cultural Patrimonio del General ect has worked, jointly with Guatemala’s Dirección Basin Mirador the 2001 Since Archaeological Proj Rosado Monterroso Enrique and Tun Monterroso En rique Suyuc-Ley, O. Edgar Hansen, D. Richard dor Basin,Guatemala search andconservationin theMira Archaeological andecological re ------

Abstracts 23 24

XXII Symposium of archaeological investigations in Guatemala Conservation ofarchaeologicalmaterials:methodologicalapproaches, Theme 2: placement of the shelter before it is damaged can damaged is it before shelter the of placement re timely a and measures three These results. poor some with past the in used were as synthetic resins, than rather materials lime-based using eventually, occur may that damage new any repair to needed are technicians maintenance trained monitoring, and shelter protective a with Together quickly to. be reacted can conditions in change any that so photographic monitoring program has been instated environment. stable Aa maintain to improvements, small some with shelter, a of existence continued the on depends Stairway the of conservation future The conservation. its guarantee to actions vention inter appropriate define and Stairway the of condi tion the determine to studies interdisciplinary undertook Historia e Antropología de Hondureño Instituto and Institute Conservation Getty the site, on museum a in environment protected more a to removal Stairway’s Hieroglyphic the for calls and hieroglyphs, carved the from material surface of loss the about concern specialists’ to response In breño Mem Rufino and Guerra Eliud Roby, Thomas as abasisfor interventionplanning assessment andmonitoringover time Interdisciplinary condition Stairway inCopán,Honduras: conservation oftheHieroglyphic Making thecasefor theinsitu interventions andalternativemeasures(shelters,reburial,etc.) mids. Tikal, the most explored and best known site known best and explored most Tikal,the mids. pyra great their of construction the in Maya the by used limestone Petén the as materials fragile and sensitive such conserving in face we challenge the to compares none yet world, the across challenge enormous an is monuments of conservation The Carlos RudyLariosVillalta Guatemala The challengeofconserving Tikal, ensure theStairway’s conservationinsitu. - - - - - reversible way. ir an in sites similar other many Tikaland of tions construc ancient the confront today that rioration dete the of part are conservation, promoting from far projects, restoration many in used methods the that understanding for arrived has moment the that believe We nothing. with us leave to threatening elements, human and natural of effect destructive the years few a in see and learn can we which in chamber acceleration an like been has tourism, to open sites first the of one being world, Maya the in as Tikal. ing the existing excavation tunnels of Copán as well experiences, this paper will analyze issues concern the primary focus of their activities. Based on these was tunnels excavation of consolidation and tion stabiliza Park, Archaeological Copán the around PICPAC project completed several tasks within and glyphic Stairway project. Although personnel of the Institute’sHiero Conservation Getty the alongside for program conservation Copán (PICPAC), which was carried out until 2002 a created Historia e Antropología de Hondureño Instituto the 1999 in Honduras In taken. are measures stabilization no research that later collapse for various reasons when sites is indeed the tunnels opened for archaeological Maya for problem conservation serious a as this, of unaware still are excavations tunnel conduct who all. Nevertheless, it seems that many archaeologists to interest common of and topic pressing a Heritage is sites World at conservation of problem The Seiichi Nakamura Guatemala of Copán,Honduras,and Tikal, sites intheMayaregion: the cases the conservationof World Heritage Investigative tunnelingissuesin ------progressive approach for the El Pilar Archaeologi Pilar El the for approach progressive interdisciplinary an constructed has Program Pilar El the years, ten past the Over promoting. been has Program Pilar El the what precisely is This aged. encour be to need designs dynamic and strategic with planning management innovative velopment, de and Totives. conservation resource accomplish objec development term long and term short tomeet both requirement acrucial is designs flexible Adapting to changing conditions and managing with ment scrutiny and pressures of growing local needs. manage intense of focus the now is civilization, Maya ancient the to home once forest, Maya The Anabel Ford canopy Archaeology under theMayaForest ment intheMayaregion. manage site and planning of issues and limitations essential themes that have allowed reflection on the cess in the specific context of Joya de Cerén and the pro the of introspection critical a includes It plans. as the challenges faced when implementing defined well as sites, of management the drive that values of the participatory planning process, guided by the aspects critical analyze to is paper this of objective The heritage. cultural of conservation holistic the promote that processes and methods of velopment de the on concentrated was and focus regional a framework of the GCI’s Maya Initiative, which had the within undertaken was process This list. tage WorldHeri the on inscribed site a Cerén, de Joya project for the elaboration of a management plan for sejo Nacional para la Cultura y el Arte, developed a Con Salvador’s El with collaboration in Institute, Conservation Getty the 2002, and 1999 Between Carolina CastellanosandFrançoiseDescamps Joya deCerén,ElSalvador for heritagemanagement:thecaseof Implementation ofplanningmodels and balancingconservationpresentation Site management:challengesinreconcilingvalues,attainingsustainability Theme 3: ------

area sites andconservationintheMaya Debate onkeyissues: Archaeological forest gardenpractice. the with monuments ancient the of landscape the traditions of the Maya forest. The aim is to maintain local the and qualities regional the of inclusive are create new and innovative management designs that to vision the with destination tourism new a now is Pilar El Fauna. and Flora Maya for Reserve cal conservation anddevelopment. heritage between balance the and presentation, and conservation research, between balance the field, the in experience of years thirty of out grown have that approaches and criteria current include cussed dis were that issues specific Other evaluated. were presentation site and conservation research, in ing decision-mak influence that circumstances diverse plication to various contexts were explored; and the ap their and sites archaeological of management the to approaches different compared; were level international the at promoted frameworks retical theo and sites archaeological at out carried tions interven area, Maya the in presentation and vation conser research, site archaeological to approaches methodological diverse the examine To cifically. spe and broadly both conference, the of themes main three the analyze to exchange professional for forum a as structured is panel discussion The Françoise DescampsandJuan Antonio Valdés ------

Abstracts 25 26

XXII Symposium of archaeological investigations in Guatemala cal sites of , Yaxhá and Naranjo. and Yaxhá Nakum, of sites cal archaeologi the on focused Triangle” “Maya ject Pro the directs and History, and of Anthropology Institute Guatemalan the on in dependent Petén, sites the archaeological of protection the for ject pro the coordinates currently She culture. of Maya study the in experience of years 30 over with Fialko Vilma firms inBelgiumandFrance. architectural private for and Quito of city historical ribbean, for the Belgium Cooperation Agency in the conservation and management in Africa and the Ca Settlements initiative. She has worked in the field of Urban and Cities Historic the for research and ties, Congress of the Organization of World Heritage Ci World the for program scientific the of velopment de the project, Planning Management GCI’s leads the and conservation retablo for methodology the address to workshop a coordinated Maya Initiative, the oversees She specialist. project senior Descamps Françoise courses. international and regional at conservation and management site and teaches heritage for cultural systems nagement ma and change climate of impacts the sites, ritage Worldfor He reporting statutory as such issues in involved also is She heritage. cultural for lopment deve policy and sites heritage for planning manage ment on Center the Heritage and World ICOMOS UNESCO’s ICCROM, GCI, the organizations as such international for working sultant Castellanos Carolina Author biographies is an archaeologist and researcher researcher and archaeologist an is ond h GI n 97 as 1997 in GCI the joined s clua hrtg con heritage cultural a is ------lu Guerra Eliud the USandPeru. in research additional as well as Belize and temala Gua of forests Maya the in work field out carried has and Maya the about articles numerous written has She Barbara. Santa in of University the at Center Research Mesoamerican the of part a Pilar, BRASS/El of program multidisciplinary the of director the is She 1972. since region Maya the Anabel Ford gations intheMexicancentralhighlands. investi as well as the Yaxchilánsites, Pomona and chaeological projects in the Maya area, including at ar numerous led has he years, thirty past the Over History. and Anthropology for Institute National Mexico’s in Conservation and Research for torate Direc Heritage Archaeological the at researcher a studies in architectural conservation. He is currently Juárez Daniel tion assistant. Archaeological Project, PROARCO, as a conserva glyphic Stairway. He currently works for the Copán Hiero the for project conservation the on GCI the with collaborated has he 2003, Since Fash. Barbara by conducted Project Stairway Hieroglyphic the of ICCROM in Venice. From 2000 to 2002 he was part the stone conservation course offered by UNESCO/ took he 2001 In arts. fine in master of title the ved Fine Arts in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, where he recei is an archaeologist who has worked in tde a te ainl col for School National the at studied s n rhelgs wt graduate with archaeologist an is ------

Author biographies 27 28

XXII Symposium of archaeological investigations in Guatemala gy and restoration by the University of Pennsylva of University the by restoration and gy VillaltaLarios Rudy C. n h cnevto poet o te Hieroglyphic Stairway. the for project conservation the in 1999 since GCI the with collaborated has He pán. Co in monuments the for restorer assistant as ked wor has 2001 of as and Copán of site chaeological ar the at projects different for worked has he 1990 City.Panama in delivered materials stone Since for course conservation the took he 2004 In UNESCO. by sponsored course training a during conservation 1990. He also received additional training on stucco in IHAH from materials archeological of toration Membreño Rufino Pennsylvania andHarvard. by publication upcoming the for Acropolis Copán the of sections master preparing is and IVTemple Tikal’sin works conservation directing been cently re has He 2008. in Order Quetzal the and 1994 in YorkNew in Prize Emmy the including works, his for awards received has and issues conservation and research on area Maya the in sites numerous for consulted has He Project. Tikal the during nia eevd riig n h res the on training received was trained in archaeolo in trained was ------Stairway ProjectinCopán,Honduras. and has been senior conservator on the Hieroglyphic Tunisia, in project training technician maintenance mosaic the led has he where 2001 in GCI the ned joi He East. Middle the and Africa North Italy, in projects conservation monument and site on Rome in based years 15 than more for privately worked he 1987, in ICCROM at and York,UK, of versity Uni the at studies conservation his finishing After mosaics. and stone particular, in and sites, logical archeo of conservation the in specializing GCI the Roby Thomas is an architectural conservator with conservator architectural an is - - -