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MCI Project Summaries 2008 - Smithsonian Institution

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Dumbarton Oaks<br />

<strong>MCI</strong> 6266 Five Mayan Shell Objects<br />

<strong>MCI</strong> Staff: Harriet (Rae) F. Beaubien, Mel J. Wachowiak, Judy Watson<br />

Five accessioned shell objects (6 items) from the Maya Classic period, in the Pre-<br />

Columbian collection of Dumbarton Oaks, were examined and documented at <strong>MCI</strong> by a visiting<br />

researcher and shell specialist, in collaboration with <strong>MCI</strong> staff. The researcher’s study focused<br />

primarily on toolmarks and other details of manufacture, visible on the shell surfaces. Because<br />

only non-invasive methods were permitted by Dumbarton Oaks, the study employed optical<br />

microscopy and variable pressure (“environmental”) scanning electron microscopy. The images<br />

taken of the five pendants (including one matched pair) and a carved ornament will be included<br />

in the chapter on shell, in a forthcoming catalog of the Dumbarton Oaks’ Maya collection.<br />

PC.B.543 Carved ornament<br />

Thumbnail image (courtesy Dumbarton Oaks) and a photomicrograph detail, taken at <strong>MCI</strong><br />

177

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