Earth prehispanic architecture: conservation of the Huacas de Moche, Peru.

Abstract

he document presents the results of a physicalchemical evaluation of the ceremonial courtyard “Serpientes Entrelazadas”, located on the Uhle platform in Huaca de la Luna, Moche Valley, at the north coast of Peru. This temple is an adobe building made up of overlapping platforms, which still preserves at least ten thousand square meters of polychrome murals, associated to its liturgical function. The main objective of this work is to determine in the laboratory the physical and chemical composition of the clay material, used as mortar for the adobe factory, wall construction, modeling reliefs and plastering walls, floors and roofs. Therefore, it is proposed to characterize the pathology based on the problem and material`s nature, based on cross-sectional and standardized examinations that demonstrate the mechanics of mass loss due to a strong environmental impact on fragile, fatigued and vulnerable structures. With these results, the aim is to reorient the focus of the analysis methodology and techniques, reorganize the database and indicators of previous work since 1991, due to improve the registration and documentation protocols, structural reinforcement, consolidation of architectural surfaces, monitoring and diagnosis of the intervened surfaces, processes that will be replicable throughout the monument and other similar sites on the north-Peruvian coast.