From core-periphery networks to local agents -
Scales of analysisin West Mexican archaeology

Christopher Beekman

Abstract:

Serious archaeological research in western Mexico is relatively recent, with the institution of long-term regional surveys in the 1970s within the lake basins of central Jalisco. These survey data were discussed and analyzed in terms of regional core and periphery networks. Today's excavations, however, have adopted current theoretical approaches emphasizing agency and the importance of individual action in our analyses. Each of these scales of analysis seems to have its place, but how do we fit them together? The speaker will discuss his current archaeological project in central Jalisco, incorporating students from the University of Illinois at Chicago and the University of Colorado at Denver.

Biography:

Dr. Christopher Beekman is Assistant Professor of Anthropology at the University of Colorado at Denver. He received his degree from Vanderbilt University in 1996. His archaeological fieldwork has ranged from Ecuador to Egypt to Mexico and Central America.