Study, conservation and assembly of two copper bell anklets from the archaelogical site, Teteles de Santo Nombre in Puebla

Abstract

The discovery of a couple of anklets made of copper bells in the archaeological site of Teteles de Santo Nombre, Puebla, Mexico, not only provided the opportunity to enhance our understanding regarding the diverse materials employed for making Post Classic Mesoamerican ornamental artefacts, but also became an interesting challenge for archaeological conservation. This article focuses on the principles and actions in which a detailed record of each of the strata conforming the anklets was made at the archaeological site. This was followed by an explanation of the criteria and interventions that were carried out for their conservation and restoration, an integral process that resulted in an exhibition that seeks both to preserve its materials and exhibit its cultural significance.