Preserve the El Cano Archaeological Park & museum

During the past three months Fundación El Caño, in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, has been involved in maintenance and repairs of the El Caño Archaeological Park Museum.

This project was carried out by a dedicated team of archaeological assistants, under the direction of Dr. Carlos Mayo Torné. These individuals, who also participated in the recent excavations, brought their skill and care to the restoration process.

The balustrades of the museum's north and south aisles, especially vulnerable to constant exposure to sun and rain, had suffered significant deterioration. Two sections of the north aisle and several supporting pillars in the south aisle were also damaged by termites, making their repair critical.

To restore the balustrades, thirty handcrafted cedar balusters were ordered from an expert wood worker in Aguadulce, each of which was in the shape of the museum's original design. In addition, three pinewood crossbeams were replaced. All new elements were meticulously brushed, sanded, and painted with colonial-style oil paint, blending tradition and conservation.

Termite damage in the north corridor required the removal and replacement of two sections with new pinewood. The new wood was carefully joined to the existing structure using the traditional lap-joint technique, ensuring durability and historic continuity.

A column in the south aisle that was in very poor condition was also replaced. Beyond aesthetics, this repair was vital, as its poor condition posed a real threat to the structural integrity of the aisle roof.

Thanks to these efforts, the El Caño Archaeological Museum is renewed and strengthened, ready to welcome visitors and preserve the legacy of Panama's rich cultural heritage.

In addition to working on the museum, various members of the Fundación El Caño and students working with the Fundación participated in various activities involving interaction with the public.

One activity was a thematic exhibition as part of the workshop day program of the XXII National Youth Camp, REJUV 2025, held in El Valle de Antón. At our interactive stand we explained the importance of the archaeological site of El Caño in the cultural context of the region, presented images and the 3D model of Tomb 9, along with other artifacts discovered in the excavation seasons of last year and this year. In addition, we offered for sale promotional items, such as books and sweaters, for guests and volunteers who participated in the activity.

As part of the Ministry of Culture’s Museum Month celebration, the Museum of the Archaeological Park El Caño hosted presentations by Dr. Carlos Mayo and three students from the University of Panama: Gabriel R., Gabriel C., and Abdiel G. The event was open and free to the public. All of the presentations shared fascinating insights into archaeology and history.

The students presented their archaeology and history thesis projects for their undergraduate degrees. Students, teachers, and members of the community came out to enjoy the talks, explore the museum, and tour the archaeological park.

Participating in academic conferences is one of the ways the Fundación El Caño shares information about the ongoing research being conducted in relation to the El Caño Necropolis. Dr. Julia Mayo took part in the 90th Annual Conference of the Society for American Archaeology, held in Denver Colorado. On April 27, Dr. Mayo presented "Archaeometric Study of Pyrite Tesserae Mosaics from El Caño (750-1100 CE), Panama: Evidence of Interactions between the Coclé and Maya Regions" during the symposium - Hidden Gems: New Research on Lapidary, Lapidary, and Polished Stone and Shell in the Americas.

The work related to the investigation and conservation of the materials recovered from the El Caño Necropolis is ongoing. In tomb T9, a multiple and simultaneous burial of thirteen individuals in the deepest level was  arranged as follows: five groups of two bodies, stacked one above the other, all with the head facing east; an individual located at the foot of these groups; a second individual placed next to their heads; and finally, the individual of highest status, located in the center of the burial. The detailed analysis of the remains is being conducted at the laboratory of the Fundación El Caño located in the City of Knowledge. The bones and teeth of each individual are examined to determine their age, sex and stature, as well as to look for any signs of disease or trauma.