Mirador, Guatemala

2012 Project Progress Report

Photo: R. D. Hansen

Mirador, Guatemala – 2012 Progress Report

Executive Summary

The Mirador Basin Project conducted field research from the months of July through September 2012. This field season had some extremely important discoveries which can be considered part of the historic importance of the site which will positively strengthen the potential for future World Heritage status.

In addition, great efforts were incorporated in the conservation, not only of the cultural heritage but of the natural heritage as well. The work included emergency interventions, systematic conservation and preservation monitoring. Other advances have been made in the social- and economic development of the communities due to the number of workers from the surrounding villages involved in the Project and the educational training implemented during the field season.

For decades now, the Project has taken an active role in the defense and protection of the Mirador Basin because of severe threats from deforestation, logging, poaching, looting and drug-trafficking. Major fires were located on the western edge of the Basin where logging roads have facilitated the invasion of slash-and-burn farmers. The Mirador Basin Project has maintained guards in many of the primary sites in the Basin since 1992 and is a major force in the protection of the area.

Above: Fires burning what was pristine forest on the western edge of the Mirador Basin in April 2012. (Photo: R. D. Hansen)

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2012 Project Progress

Planning

Planning work in 2012 focused on preparations for the protective shelter to be installed over the Popol Vuh frieze in the Great Central Acropolis as well as continued mapping and documentation in the greater Mirador Basin area to allow for the management of the entire area’s cultural heritage resources.

Protective Shelter Preparation. A number of areas of the site received special attention during the 2012 field season, but one of the most significant was the Grand Central Acropolis which was the object of extensive and intensive archaeological excavations and conservation measures. The primary objective was to determine the extent of the modeled stucco frieze associated with the water collection system within the Central Acropolis, and identified as Operation 610. In addition, excavations were conducted on Structure 316 in order to define the limitations of the architecture of the building and attempt to understand its role in the water collection system.

Above: Dr. Richard Hansen and Francesca Hapsburg at the Popol Vuh Frieze in the Central Acropolis at El Mirador, to be protected with a permanent shelter. (Photo: Diego Arzu)

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With regard to planning, excavations were needed on the building to determine the form and nature of the Preclassic structure so as to be able to define the design of the protective roof which will be constructed over the frieze. There were also test excavations that later functioned as the base pits for the foundation settings for the future permanent protective roof. This roof will be similar to those which have been previously constructed with great success over the Jaguar Paw Temple (Str. 34) and Monument 1 at La Muerta, a southern suburb of El Mirador.

The test pit program was conducted throughout the area of the frieze, particularly in the areas where the pits could serve as the base foundations for installing a protective cover. The foundation pits will serve to bear the load of the structure with metal by providing the cement footings for the beams and polycarbonate roof. Currently, interim protective covers are in place over the frieze consisting of thin plastic tarps which cover over 900 m² of horizontal excavations, including those that were made in previous years. The proposed protective roof will allow permanent protection and exposure of the art to enhance the visitor experience.

Mapping of the Greater Mirador Area. Archaeological mapping is still incomplete at El Mirador due to the size and sophistication of the site and the difficulty of mapping such a vast area with Total Station technology. The record of important buildings and spaces is being completely accomplished with excellent teams and good technology which allows the accuracy of structures and landscapes in maps of the site.

Archaeological mapping was conducted on both the western and eastern sides of El Mirador, locating major causeways, plazas, and buildings that expand the area of the site inventory and the geographical area of El Mirador. These buildings were not previously known and were added for inclusion in the site map.

Above: Map of a portion of the site of El Mirador with Total Station technology allows the perspective of architecture in relation to the topography. (Map: FARES)

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One of the most important discoveries included evidence of a looted structure on the eastern side of the site which had been profoundly decorated, anciently in elaborate polychrome stucco art. Salvage investigations recovered the surface remains of the architectural art, which appear to date to the Late Classic period, and future salvage excavations will be conducted so as to recover the remaining elements of the stucco art and reconstruct the images portrayed there. The art consisted of fragments of modeled stucco in red, blue, orange, black, and cream stucco.

Above: Mapping team recovering painted stucco fragments from a looters’ trench to the south east of Danta pyramid. (Photo: D. Mauricio)

Above: Stucco fragments from architectural art destroyed by looters. Painstaking efforts will be employed to construct the art and architecture. (Photo: D. Mauricio)

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Conservation

In 2012, extensive conservation work was conducted in numerous parts of the site including the Great Central Acropolis (particularly on the Popol Vuh frieze), Tigre Pyramid, Danta Pyramid and the Jaguar Paw Temple.

Great Central Acropolis. Considerable progress was made in consolidating the original stucco on the walls of rooms and associated architectural constructions, mainly those associated with the Popol Vuh frieze. In particular, those directly related to walls exposed in previous excavations as well as those excavated during the 2012 season were treated to stabilize and preserve them.

Above: Consolidation by conservation expert Lisa Sardegna of stucco on the walls of architecture associated with and flanking the water collection pools (north) (photo: A. Pozuelos)

Excavations continued on the northern façade of the Great Central Acropolis to expose the primary stairway of the complex group of buildings, and to enable access to summit of the platform the Great Acropolis by the main staircase. In addition, a primary focus of the investigation was to understand the relationship of the main staircase to the platform of Structure 304, considered to be a royal throne and the probable focal point of many important rituals and events in the history of the site.

The horizontal expansions were also necessary to assess the conservation status of the staircase. This work provided good results because they have discovered several features previously unknown in Preclassic architecture, as well as several construction stages of the steps, including a version that seems to belong to the Middle Preclassic period, ca. 600-400 B.C. However the last superficial stairs of the building are in poor condition, but there is evidence of interior, earlier phase of the

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stairs in an excellent condition and of possible importance for tourism purposes. Temporary plastic tarp protective coverings were installed over the access stairway to the Great Central Acropolis to protect excavations and architectural remains until comprehensive conservation treatment can be conducted.

Tigre Pyramid. Excavations were initiated at the base of Structure 4D3-1, the central, main building on the summit platform of the Tigre Pyramid with the purpose of knowing the main facade of the second largest building in the Maya world. This excavation was conducted by Laura Velasquez. This building will receive greater efforts for stabilization and consolidation due to tourist pressure and the delicate state of architecture. Important findings included an offering consisting of two vessels dating to the Early Classic period. Also recovered was a large number of additional projectile points, as found in previous seasons, which continue to provide evidence of a battle that took place on the platform of the pyramid.

Archaeological investigations were also conducted in the upper portions of Structure 4D3-2, by Edgar Ortega, who managed to define remains of two masks and upper part of the steps of this building. In addition, major progress was made in the stabilization, conservation and restoration of the building and which has now been completed and consolidated for the tourist exhibition.

Above: Structure 4D3-2 the north building of the main triadic pyramid group located on the upper platform of El Tigre during conservation work. It shows the remains of masks and panels, and the front steps of the building (Photo E. Suyuc)

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Above: Structure 4D3-2 on the summit of the Tigre Platform in its completed, stabilized state. Note the preserved architectural art showing trefoil elements in the middle. (Photo: R.D. Hansen)

Danta Pyramid. Archaeological explorations were conducted on the third level of the Danta Complex which is the largest platform construction on the pyramid (itself the largest pyramid in the world by volume). The work located the remains of the original Preclassic walls, and was supervised by Francisco Lopez and Sheryl Carcuz. The facade consists of several, staggered Preclassic levels, and Preclassic ceramics were found directly on the surface levels of the terraces, indicating that the Preclassic collapse impacted structures as large as La Danta and that there was no intervention by the subsequent inhabitants for centuries after the building had been abandoned. Excavations exposed some of the walls of the third platform which will be consolidated in future seasons, with some of the walls in remarkably good condition in spite of the steep nature of the structure and the centuries of tree growth on the surface.

In addition, consolidation and stabilization was completed on the summit structure of Danta Pyramid, the centerpiece of the tourist experience at the site, with grand views across the Mirador Basin in all directions. This conservation work has been a major focus for GHF’s efforts at the site over a number of years.

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Above: The consolidated and stabilized summit structure on Danta. (Photo: A. Pozuelos)

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Elsewhere on Danta Pyramid, major excavations previously implemented in the Acropolis La Pava – located on the first platform of the Danta Complex – were continued in the 2012 field season and included the continuing excavation of the central staircase of the basal platform of the Pava structure. The stairways and steps, made of monumental blocks, were found in relatively good condition.

This could be one of the best preserved basal platforms of the site, as most of the older buildings, due to the antiquity, were found badly damaged. The presence of monumental blocks in situ by the main staircase indicates the possibility that the Pava Group could be a great example of a complete, original, Preclassic stairway. Consolidation and maintenance work was also conducted on buildings previously investigated, such as the summit of Pava Pyramid and Structures 2A6-3 and 2A6-6.

Above: Monitoring and conservation work in Structure 2A6-6 with the application of a lime mixture to stabilize the stone and stucco (Photo E. Suyuc)

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Above: Summit of Pava pyramid after stabilization and consolidation with Edgar Suyuc. Fragments of monumental masks can be seen flanking the central stairway. (Photo: R.D. Hansen)

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Jaguar Paw Temple. One of the most thoroughly investigated buildings at El Mirador is Structure 34, also known as the Jaguar Paw Temple because of the large masks and panels with jaguar paw imagery flanking the heads on both sides of the stairway. The building has had a long conservation process, mainly on the architectural art decorated its north façade. The remaining consolidation necessary required the removal of damaging tree roots that had riddled the West Mask and panels of the facade of the building.

In addition, careful extraction of loose soil behind the stucco art on the masks and panels was necessary because of the exuberant penetration of roots during the 20 plus years of the intentional burial for protection of the art. A team of specialists worked tirelessly in consolidating the remaining fragments of stucco of the panels and the mask, removing loose dirt, roots, intrusions, and lime accumulations on the panels. During the 2012 season, conservation work scheduled for this important structure was completed with minor maintenance issues programmed for the future.

Above: Partial view of the western mask and panels Structure 34 during stabilization and consolidation work. (Photo E. Suyuc)

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Above: West façade of the Jaguar Paw Temple after stabilization and consolidation. (Photo: R. D. Hansen)

Nature Conservation. Investigations continued in 2012 on the flora and fauna of the Mirador Basin with a primary focus on the insects of the area. The Entomology Laboratory at the Universidad del Valle, Guatemala, under the direction of Dr. Jack Schuster and Lic. Jose Monzon is compiling a detailed list of the insect species in the Mirador Basin. They are assisted by Faustino Camposeco and Jacqueline Camacho of the university.

One of the most fascinating realities of the latest research is the introduction to the world of new species that appear to be endemic to the Mirador Basin, as they have yet to be found elsewhere in the Maya Lowlands (or the world). The study promises to be one of the most complete biological inventories of insects of a specific area, and the results will be forthcoming in a future volume. The idea is that future visitors may find the insect observations as compelling as the bird watching opportunities, and therefore open new avenues of tourism for the local inhabitants.

In addition, there is a tremendous need to document the flora and fauna due to the risk in which the entire system may be jeopardized by slash and burn agriculture, logging, and invasive fires. The reports of the multi-disciplinary studies will provide an accurate account of the existing conditions today, which seem to parallel the conditions at the time of the original settlement of the Basin.

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Above: The Entomology team at El Mirador. L-R: Dr. Jack Schuster, Dr. Richard Hansen, Jacqueline Camacho, Jose Monzon, Faustino Camposeco.

Community Development

One of the primary objectives of the Mirador Basin Project is the educational and economic progress of the labor force of the project. The project engaged the services of 220 workers, cooks, and assistants during the 2012 field season. Due to the variety of specializations implemented during the season, these workers received training and education focused on mapping, excavation, stabilization and consolidation techniques, architectural drawing and restoration methods. In addition, after the work day, workers received education classes to learn values, economic training, history, geology, environment, first aid, literacy and hygiene.

The classes were taught by members of the technical and scientific project. A primary focus has been the literacy training of all workers, and the project has incorporated the government-sponsored goals of CONALFA as part of literacy training for workmen. The success of the project, as it has been applied as well in previous field seasons is that all workers in the 2012 field season were able to sign their name and read rudimentary texts. The educational programs are one of the highly successful projects in the Project with lasting meaning and opportunities for the workmen and cooks.

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Above: Architect Danilo Callen (University of San Carlos) teaching an educational class to workers of the Mirador Basin Project (Photo: R. D. Hansen)

Above: Literacy classes at El Mirador for workmen and taught by project staff (Photo: R. D Hansen)

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Partnerships

Over the years that GHF has supported the Mirador Project, a strong partnership has been established with The Foundation for Anthropological Research and Environmental Studies (FARES) in the United States as well as in Guatemala. Project partnerships with Consejo Nacional de Areas Protegidas (CONAP) and Instituto de Antropologia e Historia (IDAEH) of Guatemala have also been instrumental in realizing the great strides made in the protection and conservation of the Mirador Basin – along with the significant natural and cultural heritage which it contains – and the opportunities created through investment in community development to improve the lives of those living in and around the area.

We thank all of our partners, project support staff and fieldwork team members for their ongoing commitment to heritage preservation and community support.

Above: Project Staff of the Mirador Basin, 2012.

Above: Some of the field team members of the 2012 season at El Mirador. (Photo: R.D. Hansen)

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About Global Heritage Fund

GHF’s mission is to save the Earth’s most significant and endangered cultural heritage sites in developing countries and regions through scientific excellence and community involvement. Founded in 2002 by Dr. Ian Hodder of Stanford University Archaeology Center and Jeff Morgan, GHF is the only non-profit international conservancy working exclusively in developing countries, where there are many threatened heritage sites but few financial and technical resources and little expertise to scientifically conserve them.

GHF goals include: • Preserving structures and physical evidence of cultural heritage • Advancing education about, and protection of, endangered heritage sites • Advancing community involvement and benefits from preservation

Our work takes each selected heritage project through a process called Preservation by Design, encompassing master planning, scientific conservation, community involvement and partnerships to provide enduring protection, management and financial support. GHF currently has 12 projects in 10 countries, including China, India, Guatemala, Colombia, Peru and Turkey.

While the nature and depth of each of our projects differ, one theme runs throughout: that the monuments, art and architecture of our ancestors can, if respected, bring lasting cultural, social and economic benefits to civil society. GHF’s mission is to help people realize the value of these assets in places where the sites are all too often neglected – or worse. GHF invests in countries and regions that have seen few financial or technical resources for cultural-asset preservation and development.

Holistic and effective preservation of cultural resources requires extreme care and planning to make preservation economically viable to local stakeholders. GHF goes beyond heritage conservation: We provide catalytic funding, site planning and technical training for local people to become capable stewards, giving them the opportunity to contribute more easily to their families and communities. GHF’s projects also have benefits that surpass their primary conservation and development objectives; our work holds particular significance because the monuments that we select are rich symbols of national identity and patrimony.

For more information on GHF’s mission and projects, see:

www.globalheritagefund.org

Global Heritage Fund 625 Emerson Street Suite 200 Palo Alto, California 94301 USA Tel: (650) 325-7520 Fax: (650) 325-7511 [email protected]

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