Six Ancient Stone Spheres from Diquís Delta in Costa Rica Excavated
Conservation-restoration project of Mexico and Costa Rica recovers ancient stone spheres from the Diquís delta. ( INAH)
The first step in conservation of the six stone spheres, two of which were extensively damaged and required delicate “surgery”, was to dig them up. They remain buried 2 meters (6.5 feet) deep as a conservation measure and show only their crowns. “The intervention included surface cleaning and stabilization through the application of edging and patches of enriched lime-sand mortar, to slightly increase the hardness, as well as the placement of protective layers with these mortars in the relevant places,” the INAH press release quotes Isabel Medina-González of ENCRyM-INAH as saying.
Excavated stone being recorded, images taken and some restoration work performed. (INAH)
Excavated stone being recorded, images taken and some restoration work performed. (INAH)
The spheres were then reburied with layers of geotextile, gravel and sand around them. "We have verified that this allows a homogenization of temperature and humidity, avoids contact with the acidity of the clay soil, and prevents the growth of vegetation in the vicinity," Javier Fallas of MNCR explained according to the INAH release. He also said that experimentation with temporary roofs was also carried out to protect the spheres in the rainy season.
The first step in conservation of the six stone spheres, two of which were extensively damaged and required delicate “surgery”, was to dig them up. They remain buried 2 meters (6.5 feet) deep as a conservation measure and show only their crowns. “The intervention included surface cleaning and stabilization through the application of edging and patches of enriched lime-sand mortar, to slightly increase the hardness, as well as the placement of protective layers with these mortars in the relevant places,” the INAH press release quotes Isabel Medina-González of ENCRyM-INAH as saying.
Excavated stone being recorded, images taken and some restoration work performed. (INAH)
Excavated stone being recorded, images taken and some restoration work performed. (INAH)
The spheres were then reburied with layers of geotextile, gravel and sand around them. "We have verified that this allows a homogenization of temperature and humidity, avoids contact with the acidity of the clay soil, and prevents the growth of vegetation in the vicinity," Javier Fallas of MNCR explained according to the INAH release. He also said that experimentation with temporary roofs was also carried out to protect the spheres in the rainy season.
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20 January 2023
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