Our research in the field has been extremely productive since we arrived – so much so that we needed to compile and compare the raw data. Today we stayed in Avanos, at the Kirkit Pension, and worked through many of the findings gathered in the field. Once the guests cleared from breakfast, we set up camp at tables in the courtyard and in the cave, a rock-carved dining area in the basement of the pension. Dr. Jones worked outside analyzing orthography, iconographic programs, architectural forms, and stylistic similarities and differences. Sarah and Chris used the darkened cave to examine the many motifs that were photographed in this and the previous two seasons. They enlarged the images on their computers, taped a sheet of tracing paper to the screens, and recreated five different motifs shared by a number of churches. They produced over thirty drawings of rinceaux, crosses, and borders. These two-dimensional schematizations allowed Sarah and Chris to analyze similar motifs from different churches to determine whether or not the paintings were the product of the same workshop.
Stephanie used the measurements gathered from the previous two seasons and our reconstruction of the south apse over the bathroom door to create an elevation drawing. Photographing the south apse of Meryamana is impossible because there is no space in the sanctuary and the backlighting washes out all images. Photographs also complicate the distinctions in rock that is original, abraded, and missing. Stephanie’s drawing resolves these issues with an elevation that is accurate and legible. I borrowed her visual problem-solving skills to complete my work on the south, west, and east wall elevations. I also traced inscriptions in the same manner as Sarah and Chris to compare the letterforms of four churches.
At the end of the day we celebrated Sarah’s graduation with a cake custom-made by the chef at Kirkit. Its deliciousness was matched by the dramatic fashion in which it was brought to Sarah. The dining cave was filled with approximately twenty-five guests and four musicians. After dinner and between songs, the servers cut the lights and paraded the scrumptious pastry topped with three birthday candles and a roman candle. After everyone shared the treat, we ended the night with dancing. We welcomed the break after a long day of work.
