Ancient Mesoamerican Mortars, Plasters, and Stuccos: Comalcalco, Part I

Abstract

The use of lime mortar in the New World appears to be confined to the area of Mesoamerica. It is, in fact, one of the most important of the several traits charatceristic of this area which have given rise to the concept of Mesoamerica as a distinct cultural unit. The extensive use of lime mortar within Mesoamerica probably played a significant role in the development of more advanced forms of architecture within this area than in other parts of the New World, especially since it was employed ornamentally as well as functionally.