1948

-5-

Excavations at Kourion in Cyprus have been under way for eight seasons under the direction of Dr. Hill. Mr. McFadden is now at Kourion to begin excavations for the 1947-48 season under a three year program for the completion of certain sections of the site. Costs of work at Kourion are estimated at approximately $15,000 per season.

Total estimated costs of research in the Eastern Mediterranean Area for the five year period are $125,000 computed at $5,000 for the survey of 1948, $75,000 for three seasons of excavation at Sardis (or similar site), and $45,000 for three seasons at Kourion.

Central American Area - Drs. Mason and Satterthwaite

Eight seasons of excavation at Piedras Negras in Guatemala have been completed by the Museum. Part of the work has been published. The objective in work at this site is a functional study of the nature of Mayan culture through systematic and thorough excavation of one large settlement. Additional excavation is required if the original objective is to be realized. Therefore, during the next five years, three seasons of continued excavation at Piedras Negras are recommended.

The survey or extensive type of investigation produces results strictly limited by what happens to be observable on the surface, or with minor sporadic digging, yet much may be learned at minimum expense. But even when all regions of the Maya area have been thoroughly explored, what has been found will form a body of only partially organized knowledge. It will lack full meaning without what we can call the "intensive" approach.

In this one looks inward on a particular type site, rather than outward at its relationships with others. One tries to dig out a more or less complete picture of ancient life as it was lived, so that cultural wholes at different places and periods may be compared, and not