Uses of Gypsum in Spanish architectural heritage: Typologies and some unique construction techniques

ABSTRACT

In Spain, gypsum and its many typologies play an important role as a construction material in Spanish architectural heritage. Its historical use is mainly a direct consequence of the abundance of gypsum deposits and a constructive tradition which began in ancient times. In addition to being a sign of constructive identity, gypsum is a clear example of the strong link between traditional architecture and the natural resources of the territory. The aim of this article is after to identify gypsum deposits and gypsum architectural heritage found in different parts of Spain and to explain the different gypsum typologies—other than powdered gypsum—used. Finally, the most unique construction techniques are described, differentiating between structural elements, partitions, and enclosures, as well as architectural elements and surface finishes.     

莫高窟第76窟八塔变相关问题再探

莫高窟第76窟内的八塔变图像出现于宋初时期,其粉本应是中印佛教交流过程中由印度僧人传至敦煌的。而这一题材绘入洞窟时正处在敦煌末法思潮盛行的背景之下,作为正法象征的八塔变壁画蕴含了信众渴求佛法不灭的心愿。同时,莫高窟第76窟作为大族营建的家窟,具有举办佛事活动的功能,八塔变与窟内其他题材的相互联系能够更好地服务于信众的信仰实践活动。     

Ceramic form and function in the Neolithic Gulf. A view from Bahra 1

This paper discusses the possible functions of ceramic vessels in the Neolithic Gulf, based on new data from the Ubaid-related settlement of Bahra 1 (Kuwait). Two pottery groups identified at the site—Ubaid Ware and Coarse Red Ware—are found in great numbers and variety of forms which provides grounds for a reconsideration of the role of pottery vessels in the societies of the Gulf. Analysis of this material reveals a more varied function of pottery vessels compared to that suggested in earlier studies. It was also possible to define the function of certain pottery vessels in more detail, both in their economic and social context.     

Studies on Amerindian dogs, 3: Prehistoric wolf/dog hybrids from the northwestern plains

Discriminant function analysis is an invaluable statistical tool for the taxonomic identification of hybrids between various extant species of Canis in the eastern United States. This technique has recently been applied to the taxonomic identification of canid skulls from several Wyoming archaeological sites. Analysis indicates most canid remains, originally identified as wolf (Canis lupus), to be wolf/dog hybrids exhibiting constant and continual backbreeding to the local wolf populations. The spatial and temporal extent of the form is discussed.     

金沙土遗址盐害分布与演化特征

金沙土遗址表面存在泛盐、粉化、空鼓等盐害。对这些盐害的分布特征与演化过程的研究是科学保护金沙土遗址的第一步，也是进一步探讨盐害致病机理的前提条件。本工作收集整理了2010～2020年金沙土遗址病害调查资料，通过现场调查和图像处理技术对盐害的类型、分布特征与演化过程进行定性和定量分析；采用X射线衍射、离子色谱和扫描电镜等测定了不同高度土样的成分、盐分含量以及微观结构。结果显示金沙土遗址主要的盐害类型为表面泛盐、粉化、空鼓、片状剥蚀和掏蚀；主要分布区域是西北向走廊和古河道附近，机挖坑侧壁最为严重；在探方侧壁上盐害由上到下依次由表面泛盐过渡到单独粉化，再到空鼓和片状剥蚀，最底层为掏蚀。金沙土遗址盐害的发育过程可以概括为四个阶段，每个阶段主要发育的盐害类型不同，依次为表面泛盐、粉化、片状剥蚀和掏蚀。越到后期，各类盐害分布范围越大，发展速度越快，对土遗址破坏性越大。离子浓度沿高度的分布与毛细上升作用有关，也与病害的劣化程度和发育进程有关。硫酸钙类是导致土遗址泛盐、粉化和脱落的主要盐分之一。     

To see or to be seen… is that the question? An evaluation of palaeolithic sites’ visual presence and their role in social organization

Visibility is one of the most common features considered when analyzing site location; visual control of a territory is usually considered to be a desirable characteristic for a prehistoric settlement. However, the role that visibility could have played in the perception of sites, as a significant element of palaeolithic landscapes, has been rarely evaluated. Sites can act not only as settlements but as places for population aggregations, social interactions and symbolic activities; in this context, the relevance presence of a site within the landscape could have been an influencing factor in site location preferences. This paper focuses on the visual presence of a set of sites from Late palaeolithic Cantabria (Northern Iberian Peninsula), and evaluates how the way they were perceived could have been related to their role in the social organization of foraging communities.