S4 E5 Mapping Palenque
From 1998 to 2000, I led the Palenque Mapping Project. In this episode I’ll share the behind the scenes story of how I got the job and the strange things that happened while making the map.
Show Notes:
Here’s the link to Maya Exploration Center’s free downloads of the map of Palenque and my dissertation on the mapping project: https://www.mayaexploration.org/research_pmp.php
Your podcasts are fantastic Ed. Your descriptions are vivid and it is like being there in person. Yes, please make #2 and #3 and if you can stretch to #4. In about two weeks we will be at Palenque with you in person on one of your trips. Please take me to Linda’s tree, having met her and talked with her in the past I would appreciate that visit.
You got it Bob! We’ll pay Linda a visit together in a few weeks.
Thanks Ed. Very interesting subject. So interesting to hear the behind the scenes info.
A big YES vote for “field notes.” I’m looking forward to parts 2, 3, … and many more when you get that $5 million!
It would also be fun to hear more about Linda Schele and other great figures in the field.
Happy New Year, all!
Thanks Larry! I’ll keep going on this. Maybe I’ll make it into a 3-5 episode mini series.
Dr. Barnhart – As you know, I am not an archaeologist, just an individual who through his travels around the Yucatan became enamored with the Maya.
I always look forward to the podcasts, as they provide insight into your profession, and the challenges you faced to get where you are today.
Add me to the list of those who wish to hear more about the Palenque project.
Palenque is one of the major sites that I have not visited, however it is on my bucket list.
Hey Jim,
Sorry for the late reply, sometimes I forget to check all the interaction intersections! You know I lead tours to Palenque often, so hopefully I’ll get to meet you in person some day on one I’m leading. I’m also happy to advise you on how to get there on your own.
Yes! The first person accounts are what we’re really hoping for. And especially Palenque, it is wonderful to think of how many interested amateurs went on to earn academic credentials and added rigor to the science after becoming seduced by its charms.
Moi invited me to make sculpture at Panchan in 1991, and as a graduate student I attempted to map overgrown plazas on many mornings, alone. In 1991 I didn’t own a computer, most students didn’t, but I converted hand drawn notes to an ‘ancient’ software called archetrion, and amused myself making perspective reconstruction drawings after I came home. Probably it was foolish to explore alone, following the springs up the hills and finding rooms in the jungle was a huge thrill.
The time and place were astonishing, anyone could hike up and about and around the jungle, and down into the tomb whenever the spirit moved us. I sat alone in the tomb several times and it never occurred to us that one day it would be forbidden.
I returned to El Panchan last winter during an epic storm and the site was so different I couldn’t even figure out where Moi’s house had been, next to a tiny creek they dammed up to make a small bathing pool. I would imagine that the regular flooding would have long since destroyed any classic period anything that might have been there, but, did you ever find anything interesting on the grounds of El Panchan? I like to imagine a mayan shaman having a seasonal camp and ceremonies right where Moi’s house was.
I have a reservation to travel to Angkor leaving in two weeks, with seven weeks to explore and make paintings and escape the pacific northwest’s dreariest months. This podcast was really great and we can’t wait for the further adventures.
Thanks David! Enjoy the Khmer ruins. Maya cities are tiny compared to what you’ll find there.
Dear Ed, thank you for the time and effort to cover your work( passion) with we who love Mexico- I have lived here full time since 96 way in Puerto Vallarta, a small but extremely beautiful villas, Casa de los Arcos.Com will give pics . I plan on supporting you and your work.
David@casa Delos arcos.com
I drove to Palanque for the ending date of the Maya calendar Dec 21 2012,
Thanks David! I was in Palenque for 2012 too. The ruins were rainy, full of rainbow gathering folks. We probably walked by each other!
Well, It’s a very small world. My husband and I live in Petoskey MI. The Swenors and Northstar are still here. We’ve talked to them about surveying our property. We love all of your podcasts. Please do continue with your personal episodes, but don’t abandon the informational stuff. We love it all.
Wonderful to hear your stories about the field. Looking forward to more field stories as well as the history of the ancient civilizations. Also interesting to read other listener’s comments. The ad about gun debates was short, informative, tolerable (unlike many TV ads), and possible to jump past it.
Joining the many comments enjoying the field note episodes. Thanks!