Anthropology is the study of human societies and cultures, and their development. The UWSP Museum of Natural History Anthropology collections are comprised of archaeological and ethnological artifacts from North America. The Museum also curates collections from Central and South America, Africa, Asia, and Oceania. Additional holdings include ethnological art collections and archival photographs and documents. The department is fully committed to compliance with the 1990 Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) and all other state, national and international laws that impact anthropological objects.
Fun Facts: i.e. A team of six undergraduate students presented a poster highlighting the Terrestrial Parasite Tracker project.
Current Research
Dr. Reser’s research includes the documentation of a Late Paleo-Indian kill site in north-central Wisconsin, an examination and analysis of a Late Paleo-Indian cremation burial in central Wisconsin, and connections with Canadian sites containing similar lithic artifacts sourced from the same quarries in Jackson County Wisconsin, Thunder Bay, and Knife Lake Ontario. Additional projects include collaboration with the Menominee Language and Culture Commission on the creation of the first map of traditional Menominee territories, landforms, surface waters, and place names within Wisconsin entirely in the Menominee Language.
Student Opportunities
Students gain applied experience in field and laboratory settings working with a wide variety of historic and prehistoric artifacts from around Wisconsin and beyond. There may be opportunities for students to get involved in this collection. For more information, contact Dr. Ray Reser at rreser@uwsp.edu.