Introduction

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Tony Tuck

Book VI

T-26

1994

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Introduction

Since the discovery of the Southeast building, the area of Tesoro Trench 26 has produced an enormous amount of material associated with various aspects of the structure.  In an effort to further clarify several issues concerning the building, we will resume excavation in T-26 this season as well.  The area in consideration includes meters K-L-M/71-76, linking areas excavated in the 1989, 1990, and 1992 campaigns.

Due to heavy erosion, roughly 20 cm of soil has eroded from the southern baulk of meters M/71-76 and the eastern baulk of K-L-M/76.

Our goals in returning to this area are several:

1)  To produce evidence of various forms of production in the Southeast Building.  In prior years, this particular area has been fruitful in recovering significant evidence of bronze working and bone and antler carving.  Ideally, evidence confirming the use of this portion of the structure for those activities could be found.

2)  We also hope to produce further material associated with the roof of the structure, particularly

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the lateral sima.  Evidence confirming the use of the decorated lateral sima on this structure may be recovered.

3)  We further hope to recover materials associated with the various production activities of the building, such as worked bone, small bronzes, etc.

4)  Confirming evidence of the use of the structure for the production of pottery and ceramics.

5)  Although we will be excavating in close proximity to the Southeast Building, evidence of other structures in the area is not impossible, either.

For further information concerning T-26, refer to previous trench books from the area, especially MT III , MT IV , MT V , MT VI , MT VII , MT VIII , AC I , MRS I , HDA I , HDA II , NM I , TT II , and TT III .

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Diagram of area of new excavation for T-26: Meters K-L-M/71-76.

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