By a special molding process, casts were made of four tall stelae and two massive monuments at Quirigua. The researchers concerned themselves with making exact copies of the monuments because they realized that the original carvings were being eroded by the action of the elements.

The climate was a major handicap under which the expedition members labored. The molds were prepared with great care as the glue used for the molds was an animal substance that deteriorated rapidly upon exposure to heat and moisture. However, it worked effectively since it was applied in a liquid state and, when hardened, retained sufficient elasticity to permit the distortion needed for removal. Another problem was encountered in the drying shed, where tiny worms developed a habit of exploring and eating the interior of the plaster casts.

To avoid this destruction, the expedition had to frequently expose each cast to the direct rays of the hot sun. For shipment by sea, the casts were protected with dried banana leaves and enclosed in wooden crates.

It is fortunate that the casts were done at that time; today the originals show weathering while the copies have retained their sculptured details despite the passage of time.

You can see these rare replicas of the monumental Maya monuments of Quirigua at the San Diego Museum of Man. They stand majestically on permanent display in the main floor rotunda gallery.