Conservación preventiva de elementos decorativos y recubrimientos arquitectónicos en sitios arqueológicos en el sur de México

Abstract

Decorative elements and architectural finishes can be divided in four groups according to their component materials, the time period, the culture in which they were created, and their function. These groups are based in their general characteristics such as: stucco finished (floors and plasters); stucco modeled elements; stone reliefs with or without plasters; and exempt elements, like sculptures, stelas, altars, etc. These elements can be found inside and outside structures and, in some cases, they have a structural function in the building. For its conservation both support material and meanings represented by them should be considered. Conservation activities can be divided into: emerging conservation, monitoring, preventive conservation and direct conservation. Through this activities, archaeological meanings are preserved.