Tikal Burial 196 Tomb of the Jade Jaguar - Maya Archaeology

Large wooden Bowl with Stuccoed Rim Plan #65 117A-100
The first hint that wooden objects were present among
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the offerings came when the large stones were removed from
over the offerings. One large stretcher south wall had fallen
plaster side down; when it was picked up, on its plastered
surface was noticed a shallow impression, ca. 1 cm. wide, defining
about a quarter of a container with a diameter of approximately
34 cms. Light blue stucco adhered to the impression.
The position of this vessel was placed on the plan just
as it was for pottery vessels. After the stone was removed
(taken to the lab), a circle of rotted wood could be seen
pressed in on both sides by loose plaster and debris from
the fallen walls. With infinite patience and special preservatives
it might have been possible to salvage some part, or at
least the general shape, of this vessel, but those consulted
thought that the results would not warrant the effort.
About 2 to 3 cm. from the floor, a soft, dirty white
layer 1.5 cm. thick was found. The exact nature of this substance
has not yet been determined. It was somewhat similar
to the white “marl-like” material covering the carved, incised
bones but not as thick, not as pure white, and softer
to the touch. Directly under the layer of white, was a thin
layer of cinnabar. The cinnabar lay over what was presumed to
be the bottom of the bowl.
That the wooden bowl was strong enough to make a dent