Restoration, preservation of Tlaloc monolith begins

Experts are preparing to restore Tlaloc monolith.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mexico News Daily | Wednesday, August 13, 2014

 

Experts are in the process of assessing the giant monolith dedicated to the Aztec god Tlaloc, in preparation for restoration.

The 8^th-century stone carving, discovered in 1964 in the state of Mexico by construction workers, has deteriorated during the subsequent 50 years.

The statue, which is estimated to weigh 152 tonnes and stands seven meters tall, has spent the last 50 years on the Paseo de la Reforma in Mexico City, in front of the National Anthropology Museum.

Dedicated to the god of rain, the monolith was moved to its current location from a stream bed near the town of San Miguel Coatlinchan on a purpose-built trailer. Record-breaking torrential rainfall, believed by some to be the idols’s curse for being moved, fell the day it was moved to Mexico City, where it was welcomed by 25,000 onlookers in the Zócalo.

Various Mexican experts have been called upon to help with the restoration and preservation project, which will entail a close inspection to identify the causes and effects of the deterioration. The findings will be used to develop a long-term plan for its maintenance.

The statue is the largest existing monolith in the Americas. As well as an image of the god Tlaloc, it bears agricultural images on its side and is believed to have been used by the Aztecs to call on the god of rain.

Work is being undertaken by experts from the Center for Applied Science and Technological Development, the Geology Institute and the National Autonomous University of Mexico.

Source: EFE (en)

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Abandoned homes in Centro Historico should be Renovated, says INAH

by Maureen Dietrich

20 Jun 14  

mazmessenger.com

 

Sinaloa representative of the Instituto Nacional de Antropología e Historia (INAH), Francisco Ríos Avendaño met with Mayor Carlos Felton yesterday to discuss the rehabilitation of abandoned or unused homes in the Centro Historico.

He pointed out there is an enormous number of historic buildings in ruin or empty in the area and as Mazatlán is experiencing a growing tourism trade, they could be renovated into boutique hotels, restaurants or spas for tourists.

The idea, said the INAH representative, is to establish a program of remodeling of antiquated buildings whereby owners or purchasers present their plans to INAH beforehand. Once approved, INAH will provide a permit to the owner to begin.

The program will allow us to reactive the Centro Historico, he said, adding Sinaloa has only two historic zones—Cosalá and Mazatlán—and it should not be possible that a large percentage of homes are empty. 

(from Noroeste)

Citizens Fight to Rescue 31 de Marzo Historic Fort

by Maureen Dietrich

18 Jun 14 

mazmessenger.com

 

Architect Arturo Garduño explained the total plan will cost 30 million pesos and require a year and a half to complete.

A collective of Mazatlán citizens has proposed a rescue of the Fuerte 31 de Marzo, an historic building where 150 years ago French forces attempting to invade Mexico were repulsed, but which has been abandoned, damaged by vandals and corroded by time and the elements.

To restore the fort to its original state, local civil associations Todos Somos Sinaloa and Amigos de Mazatlán invite Mazatlecans to a night of music at the fort on Thursday, June 19 at 8pm to hear Penélope Luna and young singer Sebastián perform.

The goal of the event is to gather donations to begin work on the restoration. Architectural drawings of the plan will be presented at the performance.

The first stage, involving the creation of a plazoleta and restoring the honour wall inscribed with the names of the heroes of 1864, is projected to cost approximately 340,000 pesos and take a month and a half to complete.

Architect Arturo Garduño, creator of the executive project, explained at the press conference that the total plan will cover a part of the Malecón from the Facultad de Ciencias del Mar to the Mujer Mazatleca monument, cost 30 million pesos and require a year and a half to complete.

With respect to the iconic canon at the site, the collective has proposed sending it to a museum to be restored and in the meantime replace it with a bronze replica.

Promoters of the restoration are confident the musical performance will attract 500 people interested in the fort who will donate sufficient funds to begin rescuing one of the most emblematic spots of Mazatlán.

 (from Noroeste)

Rescue Planned for La Carpa Olivera

by Maureen Dietrich

9 Apr 14  

mazmessenger.com

 

La Carpa Olivera, a public salt water swimming pool on the Malecón close to Olas Altas, was once a favourite location for families and kids to spend an afternoon. The pool, however, fell victim to neglect and disintegration from salt water and high waves for several years.

Now, says Mayor Carlos Felton, the municipality intends to spend seven million pesos of federal and municipal funds to remodel the pool beginning in May. If federal funds do not arrive by May, the municipality will spend its own resources to get the project started.

The request for work authorization is now in the hands of Semarnat. Said the Mayor, “La Carpa Olivera is an icon for Mazatlecans and that is why it is important to rescue it and offer it as another attraction of the Malecón and the port.” 

(from El Debate)