Selective use and technology of limestone and lime products employed in mosaic and stucco decorations in Ek´ Balam

Summary

This study comprises preliminary results of analyses made on different type of limestones employed in models and stucco supports, and other stone products used by the ancient Maya of Ek´ Balam. The ancient Maya technology results in high efficiency and durable materials appropriate for the architectural and decorative program at the site, which has positively influenced the preservation of this heritage. The study of mineral elements from various limestone, and lime products (sascab and kut) using petrographic analysis and x-ray diffraction and fluorescence, allows for a general chemical characterization and evaluation of their physical properties that made up the technology of the Late Classic architecture. These examinations are convenient to recreate methods and techniques replicating the technology of ancient materials for in situ preservation of this heritage

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This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• The Exploitation of Limestone in Ancient Mesoamerica   •
• Society for American Archaeology 80th Annual Meeting, San Francisco, CA (2015)

Keywords

Spatial Coverage