Maya Initiative
 

Joya de Cerén, El Salvador
 

The Maya civilization once encompassed a vast area. After its collapse, the intense biological activity of this hot and humid area resulted in vegetal recolonization of the temples and cities. Today the sites are under threat from both natural and human forces. To address conservation issues of this common heritage, the governments of El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Mexico signed a cooperative agreement to advance practice in the region. Photo: Guillermo Aldana. heritage, the governments of El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Mexico signed a cooperative agreement to advance practice in the region. Photo: Guillermo Aldana.

The archaeological site of Joya de Cerén is located in an area stressed by dynamic development, approximately 30 km from San Salvador, along the road to the municipality of San Juan Opico, in the canton of Joya de Cerén. Photo: Irene Sen.

Eleven of the eighteen identified structures at the site have been investigated and are located in four sheltered excavation ditches. The ditches differ in depth and shape and contain a varying number of structures. Structure four, believed to be the remains of a storage house, is located in the deepest excavation ditch, which has the most stable environmental conditions of the four. Photo: Richard Ross.

To better understand the condition of the archeological remains, a detailed survey of the condition of each structure was undertaken. Given the hot and humid climatic condition of the site, it was important to register the conditions and changes of the structures over the wet and dry season cycles. During the first campaign, Concultura staff were trained in condition recording. The survey took eighteen months to complete and is supplemented by general environmental monitoring. Photo: Irene Sen.

The topographic survey of the site and the architectural survey of each structure aided in identifying and locating each structure and area in relation to the soil surface. Mapping was an important tool to support the documentation of the site, to specify its delimitation and potential extension, as well as to locate proposed management plan activity. Map: Rand Eppich.

At the time the management planning process was implemented at the site, a territorial plan was developed for the Zapotitan Valley, the area were the site is located. Collaboration between the management planning team, the institution in charge of the Zapotitan Valley territorial plan, and the municipal representatives allowed for the proposal and integration of land use restrictions that will benefit preservation of the site.

Site meeting to present results of the landscape project as a follow up of the significance meeting. Photo: Eduardo Gochez.

Members of the project team—Concultura staff and consultants—preparing educational material for use at a multisectorial meeting. Representatives from national as well as local institutions and groups have been involved at all stages of the management planning process—participating in key meetings as individuals and professionals, and sharing their knowledge, experience and expectations for the site. Photo: Françoise Descamps.

The management of the site has been articulated through four programs, which are based on the conditions, significance and overall vision for the site. This diagram details the four programs: investigation, conservation, landscape (both the sites physical aspect and its surroundings) and human development (community impact, education and tourism).

The management plan would not be sustainable if it did not take into account the important need for local development. One of the purposes of the plan is to bring awareness to the local communitys land use practice—a time-honored tradition whose roots can be seen in the agricultural remains surrounding the buried structures. Awareness of this continuity could bring support for maintaining traditional practices, which benefit both the sites conservation and provide a complementary experience to the visitors. Photo: Richard Ross.

Copán, Honduras
 

The hieroglyphic stairway, which occupies the western side of structure 10L-26, was built in two stages during the eighth century. The figures standing in the middle of the stairway, the balustrades on each side, as well as the stela and altars at the bottom, form part of the monument. Carved on the stairways risers is the longest known ancient Mesoamerican text, making the stairway a manuscript carved in stone. This unique text recounts four centuries of Copán dynasty history. Photo: Evin Erder.

Over the years, the deterioration of the stone has been a major cause of concern because it directly impacts the readability of the glyphs. The stone blocks, which are made from volcanic tuff, have been exposed to natural and human actions, show significant signs of decay. A careful study was undertaken to better understand the condition of the stairway and its causes of decay. Photo: David Carson.

Close-range photography of the stairway has continued, as appropriate, to support the condition survey. A one-time well-documented photo survey of the stairway was completed through stereo photography. This survey will provide the basis for potential digital reconstruction and manipulation of the stairway block. Photo: Paul Brooks, Photarc.

Deterioration phenomena such as superficial loss, fractures, flaking, biological growth, as well as information concerning past conservation interventions, were visually observed and recorded directly on digitized photos of the stairway. Photo: Evin Erder.

A solar-powered environmental monitoring station was installed at the top of the stairway. The station sends daily data on air and surface temperature, relative humidity, and wind movement to an on-site computer. General climatic data is also collected at another station located on the jaguars plaza. Photo: Richard Ross.

Samples of stone and mortar from the stairway were analyzed in the GCI's laboratories to identify the inherent characteristics that may lead to decay. Photo: Dennis Keeley.

In order to evaluate the quality and compatibility of repair material, mortar mixes were carefully prepared using a selection of locally available limes and aggregates and set into samples forms. Analysis of the material and of the mixes as well as analysis of their behavior at the site will provide reference material to support the conservation strategy. Photo: Françoise Descamps.

In 1985, a shelter was constructed to protect the stairway from direct exposure to sun and rain. This shelter also impacts the perception of the site by visitors. The effect of the protective shelter and the conditions it generates around the stairway—both visual and protective—are being studied by the project team. Photo Françoise Descamps.

Other activities to be undertaken during field campaigns include, detailed observation of the blocks' conditions, preparation of treatment materials, research into locally available building materials, and research on available tools and instruments. Photo: Françoise Descamps.