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Ancient Mesoamerican Mortars, Plasters, and Stuccos: Floor Constructions at Uaxactun

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  20 January 2017

Edwin R. Littmann*
Affiliation:
Esso Mexicana, S. A. de C. V., Mexico, D. F.

Abstract

The precise definition of “floor” as a building unit involving a lime aggregate or mortar (usually called fill) covered by a plaster (usually what is called the floor) the surface of which is treated by a wash coat makes possible detailed study of techniques of floor construction and the correlation of these with various cultural changes. A preliminary study of floors in Structures A–V, A–XVIII, B–XII at Uaxactún indicates that (1) floors improved in quality from Chicanel to Tepeu times, (2) post-Chicanel plasters were treated with a wash coat, especially the painted ones, and (3) the use of many small chips in Tzakol and Tepeu plasters implies extensive stone carving, because it is unlikely that stone would have been broken into such small pieces just for floor construction.

Type
Facts and Comments
Copyright
Copyright © The Society for American Archaeology 1962

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References

Littmann, E. R. 1957 Ancient Mesoamerican Mortars, Plasters, and Stuccos: Comalcalco, Part I. American Antiquity, Vol. 23, No. 2, pp. 135–0. Salt Lake City.Google Scholar
Littmann, E. R. 1958 Ancient Mesoamerican Mortars, Plasters, and Stuccos: Comalcalco, Part II. American Antiquity, Vol. 23, No. 3, pp. 292–6. Salt Lake City.Google Scholar
Littmann, E. R. In press Floors, Tikal. In “Excavations in the Great Plaza and North Terrace,” by Coe, William R. and others. Tikal Reports, No. 12, Museum Monographs. University Museum, Philadelphia.Google Scholar
Smith, A. L. 1950 Uaxactun, Guatemala: Excavations of 1931–37. Carnegie Institution of Washington, Publication 588. Washington.Google Scholar