The expedition poses with the Explorers Club flag.

A view of the Piramides de Guimar. Pyramid 4 is the structure at the left rear.

The 1999 FERCO expedition to investigate the pyramids at Guimar had two primary goals: (1) to conduct a test excavation into one of the pyramids to determine its age and contents, and (2) to collect data for a high precision 3-D model and map of the northern pyramid complex that could be used for scientific analysis and public display. The excavation and mapping took place during November 1999.

The directors of the international project were Thor Heyerdahl (Norway), Vincente Valencia (Spain), Donald Ryan (USA) and included professional archaeologists Brian Holmes (Canada), Richard Reanier (USA) and Katharina Lorvik (Norway). Our project engineer was Britt Stitt (USA) and our special assistant was Michael Breen (UK).
Volunteers included: Jeff Belvill, Russ Chandler, Chris Petersen, Ericka "Ann" Stewart, Anne Nystrom, Bridget Bosworth, and Carrie Hanis

Pyramid 4 Test Excavation

Pyramid 4 was selected as a focus of investigation for the following reasons:

1. it is architecturally interesting, having been joined at one time to Pyramid 3;
2. it can be argued that it is one of the oldest pyramids on the site, perhaps antedating Pyramid 3;
3. there was sufficient space available on the pyramid's flat summit to conduct the work.

Having no preconceived notions as to where to begin the excavations of Pyramid 4, we chose to locate our first 1.0 m. X 1.3 m. shaft in the structure's center. A rectangular wooden frame was constructed with hopes of preventing any slumping of the pyramid fill into the shaft from the sides. With this technique, wooden planks were added to the bottom of the original rectangular frame as the excavation proceeded into the fill.

Starting the shaft.

Jeff in the hole.

Katharina and Brian mind the sifter.

The fill of the pyramid is composed primarily of small stones and dirt. Excavating in this extremely loose material was exceptionally difficult and strenuous. Great care had to be taken to protect the safety of the excavators and also to prevent material from sloughing in from the sides and bottom. All material removed from the shaft was screened.

After several days of excavation, we found it nearly impossible to keep loose material from seeping in from the sides and base of our wooden framework so a new method was adopted. A sturdy reinforced rectangular wooden box was constructed to fit snuggly into the previous framework. With no top nor bottom, this protective structure could be dropped down a few centimeters at a time as the excavation progressed.

Installing the box.

Ann at work in the shaft.

After two weeks of work, the maximum depth of the shaft was - 285 cm. below top surface of the pyramid. No further digging could be accomplished because the excavation box became pinned from the loose material trapping its walls. The shaft was thereafter securely closed.

Anne and Katharina sorting rocks.

Thor consults with Don and Katharina as Brian and Ann search the screen.

Rick surveys the Piramides.

Surveying the Pyramids at Guimar

The mapping project was under the direction of Richard E. Reanier. We had at our disposal a Topcon GTS-311 total data station, Tripod Data Systems data collection software, and peripheral equipment generously loaned to the project by Topcon America and Global Positioning System (GPS) equipment provided by Trimble Navigation. Ltd.

The pyramids at Guimar are complex step pyramids with multiple episodes of construction. Our data recording began with the south side of Pyramid 2 and continued through Pyramids 3 and 4. Then the instrument was moved to locations on the north side of the pyramid complex and we recorded data on the sides of Pyramids 1 through 4. In total we retrieved more than 1,500 three-dimensional points on the four pyramids including all terraces and the steps in each staircase. From this information we will be able to create a three-dimensional computer model that can be used to analyze the construction sequence of the pyramid complex.

Conclusions:

The 1999 excavation was unable to reach bedrock. It examined only a small part of only one structure. Additional excavations would be required to further explore Pyramid 4 and the other nearby structures in an effort to learn more about their date, function, history and architecture. Our exploratory excavation in Pyramid No. 4 revealed a loose filling of soil and stones. This does not support the idea that the pyramids are merely piles of stones resulting from the clearing of fields by farmers.

This first exploration into the interior of the Guimar pyramids was somewhat experimental. We learned a great deal about the nature of the material within and about and the strengths and weaknesses of various excavation techniques. In future work, we will explore additional excavation methods for digging in such unstable materials.

Having closely examined the Pyramids, we are convinced that these structures represent some sort of intentional architecture, albeit of an as yet unknown date and with a function not fully understood. Pyramids 1 through 4 and some of the areas in their immediate vicinity appear to form an associated complex of structures. Given our observations of these intriguing structures, we would also like to conclude that the Pyramides de Guimar are very worthy of further scientific investigation.

The project was very popular with the media	Tito meets the press!
Photos by Chris Petersen

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