James Stemp Archaeologist talks to J&P Voelkel

James Stemp Archaeologist talks to J&P Voelkel - Skulls & Scorpions

Skulls and Scorpions

archaeologist James Stemp

W. James Stemp is an Associate Professor in the Sociology and Anthropology Department at Keene State College in New Hampshire, and Director of the Surface Metrology and Archaeological Research Technologies Project. James’ main areas of research focus on chipped stone tool technology in complex societies, design theory, lithic use-wear analysis, ancient socio-economy and trade, and the Maya. He earned his Honors B.A. from the University of Toronto and his Master’s degree from Oxford University. James completed his Ph.D. at McGill University in Montreal in 2000. He has analyzed stone tools from a number of ancient Maya sites, including Baking Pot, Cahal Pech, Marco Gonzalez, Minanha, Pook’s Hill, and San Pedro in Belize, and from caves in Western Belize (Actun Tunichil Mucnal, Actun Halal, Actun Chapat, Actun Uayazba Kab, and Stela Cave). Much of his research focuses on stone tool replication and experimental archaeology.