Ancient Maya Hieroglyphs Unveiled at Cobá Site

The conservation team associated with the Program for the Improvement of Archaeological Zones (Promeza) has successfully stabilized the stone base of a newly discovered Maya hieroglyphic text. The most challenging aspect of the conservation work was dealing with the hard layers of carbonates and the process of alveolization.

A few months ago, archaeologist Ana Calderón discovered a staircase carved into a slope during a surface tour. Once cleared, this staircase revealed one of the longest hieroglyphic texts found in the Archaeological Zone of Cobá, in Quintana Roo. The National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) has since taken steps to preserve this monument, known as the "Foundation Rock", which is estimated to be around 1,500 years old.

As the archaeological project's field season draws to a close, the conservation team has managed to stabilize the stone base on which the Maya text is inscribed. The text has revealed previously unidentified names of sites, rulers, and deities from the inscriptions at Cobá.

Eunice Corazón Peralta de Dios, who is responsible for the conservation-restoration works, and epigrapher Octavio Esparza Olguín, have noted that several passages are difficult to read due to rock erosion and salt concretions on its surface. However, on-site recording of the monument, along with the analysis of three-dimensional models and grazing light photographs, have provided subtle details that contribute to the understanding of the text. The text measures 4.30 meters wide by 3.50 high and consists of 123 hieroglyphic cartridges, arranged in 12 columns and 13 rows.

The conservation of the "Foundation Rock" was the most complex of the 31 elements addressed this season. The majority of these elements were sculpted: 23 stelae, an altar and a panel, as well as five of an architectural nature: an upper temple, paintings, a talus, and a sculpture that represents the jaws of a snake. The carved rock is located on the slope of a water hole, 160 meters from the Nohoch Mul architectural complex.

Various factors have contributed to the rock's deterioration, including tree growth, earth concretions, insect nests, and the presence of microorganisms. The most damaging processes have been the hard layers of carbonates and alveolization, the latter being a form of limestone degradation characterized by cavities or alveoli. Some of these cavities were found 12 centimeters below the stone surface, caused by the dragging of materials and the acidity derived from the growth of plants and roots. A meticulous process of wet and dry cleaning was implemented, along with the removal of small roots inside the rock.