Marcahuamachuco, Peru
Pre-Inca City of the Dead
GHF staff survey the condition of the West Gate.
GHF will implement a joint program with UEM for the conservation of one of the major monumental compounds in the Marcahuamachuco complex (Las Monjas). This model conservation program of one of the most significant compounds will provide the technical skills and roadmap for gradually improving the scientific conservation of the numerous remaining monuments on the site (approximately 19) and surrounding stonewall of the site over the next five years. GHF will sponsor a core group of archaeologists, conservators and engineers and provide scientific support for state of the art mapping of the site.
With the participation of the UEM archaeologists, a research program in support of the conservation program will be conducted in order to better understand the Marcahuamachuco stone walls’ construction techniques and conduct a comprehensive analysis of and report on the nature of vegetation within the compounds, including a recommendation of which of the most damaging plants can be safely removed from at-risk areas.
Establishment of a hilltop weather data gathering station, to inform on climatic variation, and the design of conservation materials to satisfy the standards required to mitigate their damage from these conditions are also planned. This will include a maintenance recommendation schedule for the long term.
Analysis must be made in depth on how the archaeological structures capture moisture, salts and other of lichens, fungi and bacteria that promote plant growth and endemic animals. There are also other factors that must be researched including tectonic, wind and water, environmental and seasonal processes of nature and temperature changes that affect conservation outcomes. High winds, rain and solar radiation all affect the site’s preservation. A number of site conservation measures will be undertaken to restrain or reduce erosion by natural factors. Study of biological systems is also extremely important to reduce the deterioration on the site. Creating a defensible and balanced ecosystem, expelling or modifying the macro and microscopic flora and biological elements is needed to create favorable conditions for long-term conservation.
The project will also conduct analysis of existing mortars and research into original engineering principles for stone wall construction, including wooden elements. This will include on-site testing of materials suitable for conservation use, ideally closely resembling the historic materials while, at the same time, being clearly identifiable to the expert observer as new and conservation intervention materials.
Invasive vegetation which undermines the stability of all walls will be studied and assessed. A full survey of flora is required to identify which plants are deep rooted and damaging the stone walls, and this survey must balance a policy for removal of harmful vegetation while, at the same time, recognizing types of flora that are rare or threatened to ensure the survival of these varieties.
