Evening star., 1941-12-14

DR.. Stirling sought relics of the Ol
ilization is supposed to have existed
before that of the Mayans.
On such scientific trips, Mrs. Stir
ling said, 1t is her job to see that
the camp functions satisfactorily
and that provisions and supplies Of
every kind are available.
Description Of Camp
In Jungle Is Given.
.I must see there is everything
from soap to can openers" she con-
tinued. because after we are once
established in camp it is difficult
to get anything but native foods
and materials"
On the last expedition Mrs. Stir
ling provided for five people in
addition to herself for period of
three and a half months in the
Jungle. The party included the
photographer. Richard Stewart, an
assistant anthropologist, Philip
Drucker of the Smithsonian, ana
two Mexican foremen. Domestic
help was secured locally.
The scientists wife described the
establishment of camp. First,
natives clear away the thick jungle
growth at the location they plan to
eycavate, she said, and from the
high palm trees cut hundreds OF
large palm leaves used to cover the
cottage roofs. These buildings are
waterproof and comfortable, Mrs.
Stirling declared. In addition to
lodgings for the explorers, there Is
Also a cottage used by the photo
erapher as dark room, another
for a storeroom and others for do
mestic help and kitchen.
To really enjoy these "jaunts into
the Jungle" one must learn to IKE
native foods and pastimes, Mrs.
Stirling remarked.
"I have learned to make most OF
the native dishes" she continued.
The tamales, tortillas and enchll-
ladas are really delicious. In Cerro
de las Mesas we made these dishes
from corn. beans and chile grown
in that part of Mexico"
Life in Tropics Called
Serene and Untroubled.
The campers also enjoy the local
entertainment, usually provided by
three or four musicians playing
guitars and occasionally harp, to
whose music the natives dance.
Life is serene and untroubled IN
these tropical communities and in
some sections of Mexico where she
and her husband have travelled the
people are entirely unaware OF
world conditions, Mrs. Stirling said.
Many know nothing about
world war" she remarked" and
there are some who do not even
know who is president Of Mexico" |"
This condition Is being rapidly
corrected by the Mexican govern
ment. she added, and young men
teachers are now being sent to the
most remote parts of the country.
Mrs. Stirling also assists with
archaeological work of the expedi-
tions. She explained how she re-
manned in the camp to check the
baskets of potsherds, or broken
fragments, excavated from the ruins
as they were brought by carriers
from the places where the anthro-
biologists supervised the digging.
Each basket is properly tagged, its
contents washed and cleaned and
then replaced in the basket.
Valuable Collection
OF Jade Uncovered.
The depth of the trench level
where the potsherds were excavated
is signified on each basket" Mrs.
Stirling said. This level is of ex-
treme Importance in establishing
scientific and historical facts"
A valuable collection of jade orna-
ments and statuary found a few
days before they broke camp last
May provided one of the most excit-
ing experiences of the expedition,
Mrs. Stirling said.
Jade was worn only by the
wealthiest and most important men
among the Olmic Indians" she ex-
planned. 1--WE think that that COL
lection had either been buried to
keep from an enemy or offered as a
sacrifice"
Mrs. Strings archaeological cos
tunes include attractive colorful
shirts worn with slacks or riding
breeches. For head covering, she is
fond of brightly colored bandana
kerchiefs or turbans.