James Zeidler

I am interested in the synthesis of comparative archaeological data on the following four topics:

(a) the rise of complex chiefdom societies in the so-called Intermediate Area of the Americas and their interactions with pre-Hispanic state-level societies and Spanish colonial society.

(b) the variable impacts of volcanism on social trajectories documented in the archaeological record, especially with respect to the identification of social vulnerability, the nature and degree of impact, and post-disaster recovery time. I have interacted occasionally with other archaeologists on this topic, both in research symposia and in publication venues (most especially Payson Sheets, Felix Riede, and Robin Torrence), as well as with key volcanological scholars in Ecuador, but I believe the CfAS could be a great place to foster more collaborative synthesis within the archaeological community.

(c) the nature of long-distance maritime voyaging and material exchange, as well as the establishment of cultural enclaves resulting from this exchange. I am currently collaborating with Dr. Jose Carlos Beltran Medina (INAH, Mexico) on this topic with refence to our current research on maritime contacts and cultural exchange between the Jama-Coaque culture of coastal Ecuador and Comala/Tesoro/Armeria phases of coastal Colima in West Mexico ranging from 300 to 800 CE. Current collaborative plans include ancient DNA analysis of skeletal materials from the two contact zones to ascertain the possible presence of genetic relationships.

(d) Bayesian statistical analysis of radiocarbon chronologies as a means of elucidating the tempo and rhythm of social trajectories over time with special emphasis on hiatus periods caused by natural disasters. I am currently collaborating with Dr. Caitlin Buck (University of Sheffield, UK) on this issue in my coastal Ecuadorian study area (the Jama Valley of northern Manabi province).