GREENEVILLE – Tusculum University welcomes the community to a presentation on campus from a native Peruvian archaeologist.
Dr. Bebel Ibarra will speak at Tusculum University Wednesday, March 22.
Dr. Bebel Ibarra, who now lives in Greeneville, will discuss “Bioarchaeology and the Cult of the Dead in the Peruvian Andes” Wednesday, March 22, at 2 p.m. in the Meen Center lecture hall. His talk will touch on his recent work on pre-Columbian Andean societies.
Dr. Ibarra specializes in Andean archaeology and holds a doctorate in anthropology from Tulane University in New Orleans. His research is focused on bioarchaeology and the study of ancestor veneration and the cult of the dead within the Peruvian region. He has led the annual Huari–Ancash Bioarchaeological research project in Peru since 2004.
Although human remains analysis has been a particular interest in his studies, he has addressed multiple topics such as paleopathology, isotope analyses and aDNA sequences through collaborative research.
Dr. Ibarra teaches at Walters State Community College.
These tombs in the Andes are called chullpas (above ground burials). They date between 1000 and 1500 AD.
“We are excited to bring Dr. Ibarra to campus and know his presentation about the Peruvian Andes’ impressive history will enrich personal lives,” said Dr. Joel Van Amberg, chairman of the Department of History, Museum Studies and Religion and professor of history at Tusculum. “We value civic engagement and encourage the community to join us for this highly informative discussion of the Peruvian Andes.”
The lecture is free. Anyone with questions about the presentation can email Dr. Van Amberg at jvanamberg@tusculum.edu. More information about the university is available at www.tusculum.edu.