Robert Sharer
Robert J. Sharer(March 16, 1940 – September 20, 2012)[1][2]was an Americanarchaeologist,academic andMayanistresearcher. He was known for his archaeological investigations at a number ofpre-ColumbianMesoamericansites conducted over a career spanning four decades, and for his archaeological reports, theorizing, and writings in his field of specialty, the ancientMaya civilization.Sharer was a lecturer andprofessorat theUniversity of Pennsylvania's Department of Anthropology for more than 30 years,[3]and as of 2008[update],occupied theendowed chairof Sally and Alvin V. Shoemaker Professor in Anthropology, an appointment which he held beginning in 1995.[4]He also had an extensive association with Penn'sUniversity Museumof archaeology and anthropology, where from 1987 to 2009 he was thecurator-in-charge of the museum's American collection and research section.[3]He died on September 20, 2012.[5]
He was the author ofDaily Life in Maya Civilization(Greenwood Press 2009), which appeared in two editions;[6]and, with Loa P. Traxler,The Ancient Maya(Stanford University Press, 2006), which appeared in six editions.[7]
Early life and education
[edit]Robert Sharer was born inBattle Creek, Michigan,and received his bachelor's degree in history fromMichigan State University.While there, he became interested in archeology while working a summer job as an undergrad at the Michigan State University Museum.
While attending the University of Pennsylvania, Sharer would participate in excavation projects inCornwallunder archaeologistBernard Wailes,an experience that assisted in his development as an archaeologist. From 1963 to 1965, Sharer served in theUnited States Armed Forces,taking a break from his graduate program. After returning from his service, Sharer was guided byWilliam Robertson Coe IIwhile writing his thesis on the collection Coe unearthed atEl Trapiche,an early precinct of the site ofChalchuapainEl Salvador.In 1967, Sharer received his graduate degree; in 1968, he received his doctorate.[8]
Archaeological work
[edit]Sharer once took a course in Mayan ethnography and spent a summer of research inGuatemala.He directed an excavation ofQuiriguá,now a UNESCO World Heritage site, from 1974 to 1979.[9]His findings noted the complexities in Mayan sociopolitical structures, trade, and cultural development. These findings challenged previous interpretations of Quiriguá's history, especially in regard to its origins, growth, and the roles of its rulers.[10]
Another significant project Sharer participated in was his work inCopán,Honduras(1988–2003).[9]His discoveries include the tomb of the 5th-century Mayan King,K'inich Yax K'uk' Mo'.[11]
See also
[edit]- "Works of Robert Sharer".Google Scholar.
Notes
[edit]- ^Date information sourced from Library of Congress Authorities data, via correspondingWorldCatIdentitieslinked authority file (LAF).
- ^"Robert J Sharer in Social Security Death Index".Fold3.Retrieved2022-03-07.
- ^abPenn Museum (2007)
- ^Effective from July 1, 1995. See"Faculty Appointment and Promotion Report, from March 16 to April 13, 1995"(PDF).University of Pennsylvania. 1995.Retrieved2008-08-01.
- ^In Memoriam: Robert J. Sharer. Mesoweb Reports.http://www.mesoweb.com/reports/RobertSharer.html
- ^Sharer, Robert J. (2009).Daily Life in Maya Civilization.Westport, CT: Greenwood Press.ISBN978-0313351297.
- ^Sharer, Robert J.; Traxler, Loa P. (2006).The Ancient Maya.Stanford: Stanford University Press.ISBN9780804748179.
- ^"Expedition Magazine | Robert J. Sharer".Expedition Magazine.Retrieved2024-03-10.
- ^abMorrison, John F. (2012-09-26)."Robert J. Sharer, 72, noted archaeologist of ancient Maya".www.inquirer.com.Retrieved2024-03-10.
- ^Sharer, Robert J. (1978)."Archaeology and History at Quirigua, Guatemala".Journal of Field Archaeology.5(1): 51–70.doi:10.2307/529770.ISSN0093-4690.
- ^Sharer, Robert J.; Traxler, Loa P.; Sedat, David W.; Bell, Ellen E.; Canuto, Marcello A.; Powell, Christopher (1999)."EARLY CLASSIC ARCHITECTURE BENEATH THE COPAN ACROPOLIS: A research update".Ancient Mesoamerica.10(1): 3–23.ISSN0956-5361.
References
[edit]- Penn Museum (2007)."Robert J. Sharer".Research: American Section.University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology.Archived fromthe originalon 2008-03-14.Retrieved2008-08-01.
- "American Academy of Arts and Sciences Welcomes Two SAS Professors"(Press release). SAS (School of Arts and Sciences). May 7, 2004.Retrieved2008-08-01.
- Sharer, Robert J. (June 1974). "The Prehistory of the Southeastern Maya Periphery".Current Anthropology.15(2). Chicago, Illinois:University of Chicago Press,sponsored byWenner-Gren Foundation for Anthropological Research:165–187.doi:10.1086/201454.OCLC62217742.S2CID144899776.
