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William Walker

William Walker
Professor
Regular Faculty

Contact Info
wiwalker@nmsu.edu
Breland Hall 314

View CV
Expertise: Archaeology, Formative Period, Anthropology

Biography

Dr. Walker is an archaeologist who studies southwestern archaeology and ritual in prehistory.

Current Research

My general research interests focus on the development of archaeological method and theory for the study of prehistoric ritual and religion. I am developing a behavioral understanding of religion in order to explore various ritual activities such as pilgrimage, ritual persecution and the ritualized abandonment and discard of artifacts and architecture. Currently, my data for these topics derives from archaeological evidence recovered from southern New Mexico and Chihuahua. I am exploring the ritual organization of the desert Mogollon including Casas Grandes Culture of Northern Chihuahua and Jornada and Mimbres branches of Southern New Mexico. This research is accomplished largely by NMSU Archaeological Field School students and involves the survey and excavation of late prehistoric (AD 1300-1450) sites in southern New Mexico. Currently we are excavating Cottonwood Spring Pueblo, located on the western flanks of the San Andres Mountains. Learn more about previous research at this site in the video below.

Courses Presently in Rotation

  • ANTH 1115G: Introduction to Anthropology
  • ANTH 330V: Magic, Witchcraft, and Religion
  • ANTH 388/488/522: Archaeological Field School
  • ANTH 399: Professionalism & Practice in Anthropology
  • ANTH 503: Anthropological Theory
  • ANTH 414/514: Archaeology of Magic, Witchcraft, and Religion
  • ANTH 467/516: Archaeology of Ancient Southwest

Other Courses 

  • ANTH 315: Archaeological Methods and Theory
  • ANTH 378/578: Lab Methods in Archaeology