Baking Pot Codex Restoration Project, Belize

Artifact Conservation

Stabilization for Transport

Preliminary conservation was undertaken by Beaubien between 6 and 12 May 2003 in San Ignacio [Beaubien and Chemello 2003]. Additional disruption to Artifact R had occurred during its time in storage (Figure 12, shown below). Loose fragments scattered around the two blocks were collected and fragile features on the deposit surfaces were judiciously consolidated. To stabilize the blocks, a protective plaster cap was constructed around their sides and top. The blocks were inverted and extraneous soil matrix was removed (Figure 13, below). The components of Artifact R, along with fragments from S and T, were then securely packed. With proper clearance from the Department of Archaeology in Belmopan, they were hand-carried to SCMRE for further conservation and study.

Click on image to enlarge.

Click on image to enlarge.

List of Components

Artifact R  (South end of the Burial)
Portion A  (northern)
soil block/paint flakes in plaster jacket (24cm × 24cm × 8cm)
small chunk (in plaster collar) with adherent paint flakes
paint flakes in 6 3×5-inch bags
Portion B  (southern)
soil block/paint flakes in plaster jacket (34cm × 24 cm × 10cm)
paint flakes in 4 3×5-inch bags
Other Components:
paint flakes in 1 bag (3×5 inch)
small matrix chunks and 2 small bags of dirt, with some paint flakes (plastic box)

Artifact S  (South end of the Burial), collected within ceramic vessel #8
paint flakes in 1 small container

Artifact T  (North end of the Burial)
paint flakes in 1 small container

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