Bioarchaeological Analysis of a Royal Burial from the Oldest Maya Tomb in Palenque,Mexico

In 1957, a new discovery inside Temple XVIII‐A was made in Palenque, the Mayan archaeological site in Chiapas Mexico, a royal tomb of an original design which proved to be the oldest at the site. Two skeletons were found, the principal (PAL‐44) was at the centre showing red pigmentation on the surface of some bones, personal adornments and offerings, which indicate that he was an early ruler of Palenque. The second (PAL‐45), deposited at the entrance, not in a special mortuary position, without offerings, suggests it was of a lower social status. This research presents a new bioarchaeological analysis with the following results: (i) The result of a direct radiocarbon dating of PAL‐44 by accelerator mass spectrometry is 250–420 cal AD (LTL12759A:1696 ± 30 BP). This means that the personage was buried long before the first designated ruler of Palenque, who, according to the epigraphic record was enthroned in ad 431. (ii) With X‐Ray Fluorescence, the red pigment was identified as cinnabar (HgS). (iii) PAL‐44 is a young adult male with a severe idiopathic scoliosis with a double curvature that affected the ribcage and lower limbs. Such a three‐dimensional deformity resulted in changes to his body mechanics and induced motion asymmetry. Consequently, his health and mobility must have been significantly affected by such a severe condition. (iv) PAL‐45 is an adult female with signs of nutritional problems in childhood and entheseal changes probably related to her activity. Three ante‐mortem traumas are registered: rib fracture, frontal depressed circular fracture and a nasal septal deviation. This traumatic event took place two weeks, approximately, prior to PAL‐45's death. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Characterization of lime carbonates in plasters from Teotihuacan,Mexico: preliminary results of cathodoluminescence and carbon isotope analyses

This study characterizes the degree of calcination of lime in lime plaster samples from Teotihuacan, the capital of a regional state in prehispanic Central Mexico. Lime plaster production consists of multiple steps, from the firing of raw materials to the mixing of lime and aggregate and the final application. While previous studies have focused on the compositional variability, specifically the recipe of lime plasters and mortars, the characterization of lime itself has not been sufficiently addressed. In this study, cathodoluminescence analysis coupled with petrographic and image analyses were employed to examine the degree of calcination of lime. The results of cathodoluminescence petrography were further examined through stable carbon isotope and ¹⁴C measurements. It appeared that the results of cathodoluminescence analysis are consistent with those of other analytical methods and that there are diachronic changes in the degree of calcination of lime among lime plaster samples. This implies changes in the organization of lime production, specifically the consistency in the control of firing temperature.     

Provenance of glass shards in archaeological lime plasters by LA-ICP-MS: implications for the ancient routes from the Gulf of Mexico to Teotihuacan in Central Mexico

We present the chemical characteristics of samples collected from the central courtyard of Teopancazco, a neighbourhood centre in Teotihuacan (Mexico), the most important classic Mesoamerican city. The rhyolitic glass shards used as aggregates have a composition comparable to the glass material sourced from the magmatic system of Altotonga (located along the route to the Gulf Coast). People travelling from the Gulf Coast may have transported the glass shards to Teotihuacan during the Xolalpan phase (350–550 AD). However, the reasons for using glass shards as a construction material remain unknown. These new data confirm the close relationship between inhabitants of Teopancazco and the Gulf Coast already revealed by previous archaeological and archaeometric studies.     

The tourism and local development in world heritage context. The case of the Mayan site of Palenque,Mexico

This article discusses the effects of tourism on local development in the context of World Heritage sites. The ‘Pre-Hispanic City and National Park of Palenque’ in Mexico will be used as a case study, with especial attention on local Indigenous communities. It analyses the use of ‘World Heritage’ as a brand for tourism promotion and expected tourism growth, and the changes in the role of the Indigenous peoples in archaeology and UNESCO policies. Furthermore, it examines the implementation of World Heritage policies by the Mexican government and the local decision-makers in Palenque. It presents the touristic elements of the site and how other factors have impacted tourism flow. The article points out the empowerment processes of modern Mayan people, the response by the official managers and the Indigenous reaction to governmental investments in tourism infrastructure. The article concludes that a shift from the current type management model to a new, participatory one could contribute to reduce social tension, fostering local development through tourism and improving communities’ quality of life. The data used for my analysis were collected during fieldwork in Palenque in 2014 and 2016.     

Characterization of ancient building lime mortars of Anhui province,China: A multi-analytical approach

The characterization of lime mortars has become of primary importance in order to obtain information about the raw ingredients and building technology of ancient masonry structures. Five different samples from Anhui province, China, representing two types of lime mortar-based materials: joint mortars between the bricks of the city wall and lime mortar sealing a tomb coffin, were collected for analysis. Archaeological information about the samples was reported and studies into the microtextural features and mineralogical compositions of those mortars were performed via a multi-analytical approach. The joint lime mortars between the bricks of city walls, including Mingzhongdu city wall, Mingzhongdu Xihua gate foundation, Zhengyangguan city wall and She county city wall, were found to be aerial lime mortars. The lime mortar from Nanling Tieguai Song dynasty tomb was analysed and found to be a pozzolanic mortar consisting of lime, clay, sand and cocciopesto-like materials. The analytical results serve as a critical reference for the maintenance and restoration of ancient city walls in Anhui province, and as a starting point for searching for ancient Chinese pozzolanic mortars and technology for making those mortars.     

A programme for the conservation of architectural plasters in earthen ruins in the American Southwest: Fort Union National Monument,New Mexico,USA

Abstract

Plasters constitute an important component of many ruined architectural and archaeological sites. Methods for their in situ conservation have lagged far behind the field treatment of other materials due to their ephemeral nature and the lack of programmatic laboratory and field research. A preservation strategy involving documentation, stabilization, interpretation and maintenance offers a methodological approach adaptable to most contexts. A pilot conservation programme is described for the stabilization and interpretation of the lime plasters within the nineteenth-century adobe ruins of Fort Union National Monument in New Mexico. Methods of documentation, emergency stabilization, injection hydraulic lime grouting and mortar repairs are described.     

中国古建筑中几种石灰类材料的物理力学特性研究

为探讨适宜于岩土文物保护加固的石灰类材料,对中国古建筑中几种石灰类材料及欧洲水硬石灰的化学组成和物理力学特性进行对比研究。研究表明烧料礓石、烧阿嘎土、欧洲水硬石灰NHL5及改性捶灰的化学组成主要是气硬性胶凝材料石灰CaO(或Ca(OH)2)和水硬性胶凝材料β-硅酸钙(β-CS)及铝硅酸钙(CAS),并且这些材料的结石体具有大的孔隙率及非常小的收缩变形性等特点,适宜于岩土文物的保护加固。除此之外,石灰、糯米灰浆、蛎灰、传统捶灰的主要化学组成为石灰CaO(或Ca(OH)2),实验研究结果显示,浆液的凝固速度慢,弹性波速小且上升速率慢,结石体虽然孔隙率大,但强度在短期内较低,易产生收缩变形,不适宜用于短时间内有强度要求的岩土文物保护加固,所以有必要对蛎灰和传统捶灰做进一步的改性研究,以便更广泛地应用于岩土文物的保护加固中。     

Roman traces in Germania magna: New thermoluminescence and pIRIR290 data from a lime kiln at Bergisch Gladbach,Germany

The applicability of a post‐infrared infrared stimulated luminescence (pIRIR₂₉₀) protocol and two different thermoluminescence (TL) protocols—a single aliquot regeneration (SAR) and a multiple aliquot additive dose (MAAD)—was tested on six polymineral fine‐grain (4–11 μm) samples extracted from the wall remains of a Roman lime kiln and a Roman roof tile. These remains had been excavated close to Bergisch Gladbach, which was at that time part of Germania magna. For the pIRIR₂₉₀ measurements, no dependence of D_e on first‐stimulation temperature was detectable, and the standard first stimulation temperature at 50°C was adopted. Fading tests and dose‐recovery tests were made for all samples. Background subtracted glow curves were recorded up to 480°C for TL after a preheat of 220°C for 120 s. A‐values were determined for all TL and pIRIR measurements. The results for all three protocols were fairly consistent, and TL and pIRIR₂₉₀ protocols are shown to be suitable to estimate reliable equivalent doses for the fired kiln walls. The resulting ages are in agreement with the expected time range—Roman Iron Age—and with independent age control provided by radiocarbon ages of animal bones and charcoal from the firing chamber.     

Divinity and decay: the narrative of miraculous renovation and the repair of sacred images in colonial Mexico

Miraculous images in the early modern period were continually restored and touched up to ensure their continued decency, relevancy, and efficacy as divine conduits. This article focuses on the miraculous narratives that accompanied those artistic alterations, and in particular, on the trope of miraculous renovation that explained the dramatic restoration of several blackened and decayed crucifixes in seventeenth-century Mexico. By unpacking the biography of the Señor de Santa Teresa, Mexico's most famous Cristo Renovado, I reveal how the ‘renovation narrative’ that took hold in the region wove together artistic and religious discourses to explain the formal transformation of indecent statues of Christ. I also show how the story resolved broader concerns regarding artistic decorum, the inherently corruptible media from which the images were crafted, fears of native idolatry held by the clergy, and the struggle between devotees and patrons to control images imbedded within devotional communities.     

Effect of natural polymers from cissus glauca roxb on the mechanical and durability properties of hydraulic lime mortar

The tradition of using lime as a binder has been in practice over the centuries and is cited in the architectural feats of all kinds of civilizations. Besides the basic ingredients of lime, sand and water, organic admixtures were also mixed into the mortars to modify fresh and hardened state properties as well as to enhance its durability. The motivation of the present study was to develop a replacement of synthetic admixtures by the bio-admixtures. The plant extract of Cissus glauca Roxb (CGR) which is being used in ancient temples and monuments in Kerala has been tested as admixture in varying concentrations and fermentation periods in lime mortar mix. The admixture is polysaccharide rich and a moisturizing agent.

Tests were conducted to measure changes in microstructure of the mortar; fresh state properties such as setting time and workability, mechanical properties such as compressive strength and flexural strength. Also, physical characteristics of admixture modified mortars such as bulk density, porosity and water absorption were also determined. Morphological analysis using SEM with EDX, mineralogical analysis using XRD and organic analysis adopting FT- IR have been done to validate the results of mechanical and physical tests. Capillary water and salt absorption by suction and resistance to salt crystallization cycles were measured as an indicator of durability properties.

The admixture modified mortar resulted in increased mechanical properties and reduced water absorption. It also limits the capillary rise of water and salt intrusion through the hydrophobic nature. The admixture modified mortar have also offered better resistance against the damaging action of deteriorating salts such as sodium chloride and sodium sulphate crystallization cycles. Polysaccharides and proteins in the plant extract interact with the calcium hydroxide of slaked lime and forms complexes. Hence the, natural polymer has increased the durability of hydraulic lime mortars used for repair and it could be a natural alternative to synthetic admixture.     

Rock-cut tombs and funerary landscapes of the Late Bronze and Iron Ages in Sicily: New fieldwork at Pantalica

Abstract

Rock-cut chamber tombs are characteristic monuments of the Bronze and Iron Ages in southern Sicily. They are found in large numbers and prominent locations at several Late Bronze Age sites, most of which were first investigated over a century ago by Paolo Orsi, but received little attention subsequently. One famous example is the UNESCO World Heritage site of Pantalica, where the author recently conducted fieldwork aimed at clarifying the form, distribution and topographical relationships of the tombs, which date from about 1250–650 b.c. Although these monuments present various practical problems for research, and their contents were removed long ago, the author argues that they can be profitably studied from an architectural, contextual, and landscape perspective. A new sample of the Pantalica tombs is presented, showing a wide range of forms and associations that provides a basis for the discussion of several issues: links with domestic architecture, demography, accessibility, visibility, temporality, and perception.     

Mortars in context: An integrated study of mortars and plasters from the so-called Ginnasio in Solunto (Sicily,Italy)

This paper presents a multipronged scientific study of mortars and plasters of the so-called Ginnasio in the Hellenistic–Roman city of Solunto (Sicily, Italy). A selection of 16 well-contextualized samples was collected to represent different functions and building phases of this private house. The results show that a variety of locally available raw materials was used as aggregates and to produce binders. The diversity of raw materials’ sources and production techniques identified in this study reveals the advanced technological knowledge of the builders of Solunto, indicating a complex relationship between the settlement's cityscape and its surrounding landscape.     

茂陵石刻表面污染物和可溶盐的分析研究

为了厘清造成茂陵石刻文物劣化的原因和机理,对石刻表面的污染物和析出可溶盐进行了分析研究,以找出石刻文物劣化和污染物、可溶盐之间的关系,为制定科学有效的保护措施提供科学依据。采用X射线衍射仪(XRD)、扫描电镜-能谱仪(SEM-EDS)、傅里叶变换显微红外光谱仪(FTIR)等仪器对采集的茂陵石刻文物表面污染物和可溶盐进行了表征,用离子色谱(IC)分析了可溶盐的离子种类和含量。结果表明,“马踏匈奴”石刻雕像表面污染物的主要成分是CaSO4·2H2O,其形成原因是石材与空气污染物经长期化学反应形成的钙质结壳,或者是地下水中可溶盐的毛细运移造成的;“怪兽吃羊”石刻雕像表面析出的可溶盐有Na2SO4、NaNO3和CaSO4·2H2O,主要是由于地下水中可溶盐从砖石基座迁移到石刻文物本体,随温湿度变化反复结晶溶解所造成。可溶盐会引起石质文物表面酥粉、片状剥落、内部结构破坏等侵蚀,是茂陵石刻文物的主要病害之一。     

陕西韩城普照寺彩绘泥塑制作材料与工艺研究

普照寺位于陕西省韩城市,寺内现存有五尊精美绝伦的元代彩绘泥塑。为了解普照寺彩绘泥塑制作材料与工艺,采用光学显微镜、X射线衍射仪、显微红外光谱仪、显微拉曼光谱仪、扫描电镜-能谱仪和X光照相等技术手段进行科学分析。结果表明,普照寺彩绘泥塑内部结构为十字型交叉木骨架,粗泥层和细泥层塑土矿物成分基本一致,具有强度高、抗风化能力强和可塑性好的特点;粗泥加筋材料为麦秸秆和麦粒壳,细泥加筋材料为棉和麻;颜料层显色成分除蓝色外均为古代壁画常见的矿物颜料,存在重层重彩情况。研究结果将为普照寺彩绘泥塑的后续保护修复提供科学依据,并为陕西地区元代彩绘泥塑传统工艺的研究补充科学信息。     

中国明代木质古建西安鼓楼彩绘的分析研究

鉴于有关中国木质古建彩绘材料及技术的研究报道较少,本工作通过光学显微镜、扫描电镜能谱(SEMEDX)、X射线衍射及气相色谱质谱(GC/MS)分析方法,对建于公元1380年的中国西安明代鼓楼木建表面彩绘样品进行了科学检测研究,分析了其中的无机材料组成及彩绘所用粘合剂,并收集了所涉及到的相关历史资料。分析结果表明,木建表面彩绘的材料组成和制作技术与历史调查获得的信息完全吻合。地仗层主要由粘土、石灰、干性油(桐油)及纤维织物组成,且地仗层保持最初的原材料。颜料分析结果显示,尽管修复时所使用的粘合剂与最初建造时的粘合剂完全相同,但目前彩绘的颜料即有原来使用的材料,也有十八世纪修复时所使用的材料。     

Water, technology, and the courtroom: negotiating reclamation policy in territorial New Mexico

Historical investigation of arid landscapes and communities in the American West has long focused on the pivotal influence of federal reclamation policy, typically characterizing its implementation as the application of scientific and technological methods to a variety of water resource management issues. This paper departs from traditional views of reclamation by highlighting the highly variable and contingent ways in which new science-based forms of water management were proposed and negotiated in specific local places with particular cultural, legal, and historical geographies. Drawing theoretically from literature on the ‘geography of science,’ the paper probes the ways in which authority for a scientific approach to water management was created, negotiated, and expressed in local and regional contexts in the Territory of New Mexico, where authoritative systems of practical resource use and administration had been in long use before the U.S. government initiated its federal water reclamation program in 1902. Specifically, the paper examines two disputes entered and argued in front of northern New Mexico’s Rio Arriba District Dourt between 1903 and 1905. By departing from the geographical and scalar perspectives typically applied to environmental histories of the West and its reclamation landscapes, this ‘microgeographical’ approach promises a fresh perspective that emphasizes the highly contingent ways in which science-based water policy was implemented in multiple and complex environments.     

Change within the change: pregnancy,liminality and adventure tourism in Mexico

Abstract

Despite the growing number of pregnant women engaging in outdoor adventure activities, very few studies have explored pregnancy or the specific needs and challenges of pregnant women in tourism research. To fill this gap in the literature, we examine the participation of pregnant women in adventure tourism through the theoretical lens of liminality. Conceptualising pregnancy as a liminal stage in which women are ‘suspended’ between two statuses, opens diverse possibilities to delve into women’s experiences of embodiment, bodily image and control. In this sense, pregnancy is understood as an ‘internal change’, which adds specific challenges to women’s practice of adventure tourism, including bodily changes and different perceptions of risk-taking. Similarly, the context of adventure tourism provides an ideal space to reflect on liminal transitions and the ‘outside changes’ that pregnant women go through in the predominantly masculinised spaces that characterise this tourism segment. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 35 Mexican women who actively pursue adventure tourism and who had engaged in these activities during at least one pregnancy. The analysis indicates the importance of norms and social expectations experienced by pregnant women when doing adventure tourism. The concept of the ‘rhizomatic body’ proved to be a valuable tool when looking at the social taboos, prohibitions and rules that apply to pregnant women in specific sociocultural contexts (in this case, Mexico). By reframing and reconceptualising pregnant women and their practice of adventure activities, the social construction of pregnancy is elucidated. Finally, the study contributes to the understanding of alternative models and experiences of being a woman in gendered spaces, while shedding light on relevant behavioural patterns among pregnant tourists and the sociocultural impacts of these patterns.