That’s a Wrap!
Gygaia Projects
A productive period of excavations on the edge of Kaymakçı’s citadel provided new evidence for the configuration and phasing of fortification architecture and subsequent buildings. Area 95.555 has now been “wrapped” in a layer of geotextile so its features can withstand the region’s sometimes intense winter storms. Cinderblock-like briquettes line the edge of the trench to hold the geotextile in place and obstruct surface water flow. Protective fencing and cautionary signage keep all visitors out, whether two or four legged.
Thanks to years of coaching from our head conservator Dr. Caitlin O’Grady (UCL), our team knows the process well and was able not only to wrap up area 95.555 quickly but also to re-wrap all other areas that needed renewed protections. Some steps in the process can be seen below.
First come the materials: rolls of geotextile and a light version of cinderblocks (“bimsblok”), both sourced locally from Uşak and Salihli, are delivered to the area in our trusty pickup.
Sheets of geotextile are unrolled over the area and custom cut to hug all surfaces, vertical and horizontal.
Unworked field stones found loose on the ground or recovered from excavation areas are repurposed to secure the geotextile in place. Stones are distributed evenly across the area by hand and well-coordinated teamwork.
Fencing stakes are hammered into the ground at regular intervals, and guide wires and chicken-wire fencing are stretched and secured in place.
The final result is a gleaming white excavation area, wrapped like a birthday present to be opened again in future seasons!
Look forward to more posts from Gygaia Projects soon!