Faculty Profile
Matthew Biwer
Assistant Professor of Anthropology and Archaeology (2021)
Contact Information
162-164 Dickinson Ave
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Bio
I am an anthropological archaeologist and paleoethnobotanist. Through the lens of ancient plant remains, my research encompasses the dynamic social and political processes surrounding foodways, social and political change, and the development and expansion of states and empires. My field and laboratory research is primarily focused in Peru, but I have also worked in the Midwestern and Southeastern United States. Some of my recent work has focused on the use of beer and hallucinogens in the politics of ancient Andean states, the identification of chuño (freeze-dried potato) using starch granules recovered from artifacts, and the role of food in colonial encounters and culture contact.
Education
- B.A., Ripon College, 2009: M.A., University of California, Santa Barbara, 2011
- Ph.D., 2019