Archaeology Under the Canopy
Encyclopedia
Archaeology Under the Canopy is a concept that was developed for the presentation of pre-Columbian
Maya
monuments at the archeological site El Pilar
, an ancient Maya center on the border of Belize
and Guatemala
. This style of presentation emphasizes the protection of monuments with rainforest
foliage and strategic exposure of ancient structures.
(Athens Charter, 1931), The International Charter for the Conservation and Restoration of Monuments and Sites
(Venice Charter, 1964), and The Australia ICOMOS Charter for the Conservation of Places of Cultural Significance
(Burra Charter, 1999). The practice of Archaeology Under the Canopy has implications for archaeological conservation all over the world, integrating environmental and cultural contexts of a site.
Over the past century of excavation in the Maya world, exposure of the limestone monuments to wind, rain, and acid-producing microbes is causing extensive damage. The same soil processes that make the Maya forest fertile, and underwrote the prosperity of the Maya civilization, are the same processes that damage exposed stone temples.
This presentation style of monuments encourages the visitor to kindle their imagination and consider other aspects of Maya life beyond elite architecture. One is inspired to ask about the forest context of this advanced civilization, their relationship to the environment, plant use, land management, forest regeneration, and what happens with neglect to monuments over time.
Pre-Columbian
The pre-Columbian era incorporates all period subdivisions in the history and prehistory of the Americas before the appearance of significant European influences on the American continents, spanning the time of the original settlement in the Upper Paleolithic period to European colonization during...
Maya
Maya civilization
The Maya is a Mesoamerican civilization, noted for the only known fully developed written language of the pre-Columbian Americas, as well as for its art, architecture, and mathematical and astronomical systems. Initially established during the Pre-Classic period The Maya is a Mesoamerican...
monuments at the archeological site El Pilar
El Pilar
El Pilar is an ancient Maya city center located on the Belize-Guatemala border. It can be accessed from the Cayo District in Belize, north-west of the town of San Ignacio, or from the department of El Petén in Guatemala, north of Melchor de Mencos....
, an ancient Maya center on the border of Belize
Belize
Belize is a constitutional monarchy and the northernmost country in Central America. Belize has a diverse society, comprising many cultures and languages. Even though Kriol and Spanish are spoken among the population, Belize is the only country in Central America where English is the official...
and Guatemala
Guatemala
Guatemala is a country in Central America bordered by Mexico to the north and west, the Pacific Ocean to the southwest, Belize to the northeast, the Caribbean to the east, and Honduras and El Salvador to the southeast...
. This style of presentation emphasizes the protection of monuments with rainforest
Rainforest
Rainforests are forests characterized by high rainfall, with definitions based on a minimum normal annual rainfall of 1750-2000 mm...
foliage and strategic exposure of ancient structures.
Influential charters
Though Archaeology Under the Canopy was conceptualized for the Maya world, it is based on Athens CharterAthens Charter (Preservation)
The Athens Charter for the Restoration of Historic Monuments is a seven point manifesto adopted at the First International Congress of Architects and Technicians of Historic Monuments in Athens in 1931.- Manifesto :...
(Athens Charter, 1931), The International Charter for the Conservation and Restoration of Monuments and Sites
Venice Charter
The Venice Charter for the Conservation and Restoration of Monuments and Sites is a treaty that gives an international framework for the preservation and restoration of ancient buildings...
(Venice Charter, 1964), and The Australia ICOMOS Charter for the Conservation of Places of Cultural Significance
Burra Charter
The Burra Charter defines the basic principles and procedures to be followed in the conservation of Australian heritage places.In 1979, the Australia ICOMOS Charter for the Conservation of Places of Cultural Significance was adopted at a meeting of Australia ICOMOS at the historic mining town of...
(Burra Charter, 1999). The practice of Archaeology Under the Canopy has implications for archaeological conservation all over the world, integrating environmental and cultural contexts of a site.
Standard approaches to excavation
Exposing ancient architecture provokes the natural process of degradation and decomposition. The standard approach to excavation is to remove soil and foliage to reveal and record archaeological remains. After the excavation is complete, dramatic monuments are typically consolidated and left exposed for public viewing and tourism.Over the past century of excavation in the Maya world, exposure of the limestone monuments to wind, rain, and acid-producing microbes is causing extensive damage. The same soil processes that make the Maya forest fertile, and underwrote the prosperity of the Maya civilization, are the same processes that damage exposed stone temples.
Alternative approaches
Archaeology Under the Canopy takes an alternative approach. After an excavation is complete, monuments or sections of monuments – such as a wall, room, stair, or doorjamb – are selected for consolidation and viewing. The majority of the monument is covered with plant foliage for stabilization. This practice protects the monument from the elements and the integrity of the environment for the future.This presentation style of monuments encourages the visitor to kindle their imagination and consider other aspects of Maya life beyond elite architecture. One is inspired to ask about the forest context of this advanced civilization, their relationship to the environment, plant use, land management, forest regeneration, and what happens with neglect to monuments over time.