Affiliated Departments & Programs
Tomás Gallareta Cervera holds a BA in Anthropology from the Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, México and an MA and Ph.D. in Archaeology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He has worked for 13 years as a professional archaeologist in the Maya area where investigates the role of place-making and monumental architecture in the development of royal authority during the Preclassic and Classic periods. His current research is focused on the rise of divine kingship during the Terminal Preclassic at the site of Chan Chich (Belize) including its Upper Plaza, a palace group elevated seven meters above the main plaza. Additionally, he is currently working on a second research project "Voices Of The Puuc Angels: Rural Life Among The Archaeological Ruins In The Yucatan Peninsula,” which, through oral history, contributes to the decolonization of contemporary archaeology.
Areas of Expertise
Maya archaeology, ancient monumental architecture, anthropology of fear, oral history
Education
2016 — Doctor of Philosophy from University of North Carolina
2016 — Doctor of Philosophy from Univ North Carolina Charlotte
2010 — Master of Arts from University of North Carolina
2006 — Bachelor of Arts from Autonoma de Yucatan, Butler University
Courses Recently Taught
Academic Exploration in Mexico
Over spring break in 2023, Tomás Gallareta Cervera and his students traded Gambier for the Yucatán to foster a more nuanced understanding of Latin American cultural heritage by examining the social structures that contributed to its development.
Students from ANTH 259: Latin American Ethnicity, Identity & Culture at La Hermita, Oxcutzcab, Yucatán, México.
Students from ANTH 259: Latin American Ethnicity, Identity & Culture at the archaeological site of Kiuic, Yucatán, México.
Professors Matt Suazo and Tomás Gallareta Cervera with graduating seniors Betania Escobar '22, Celeste Ramirez Diaz '22 and Henry Hirschfeld '22.