Kirby Farah

I am an anthropological archaeologist with a research focus on the civilizations of Precolumbian Mesoamerica.

My dissertation research focused on social and political dynamics in the Postclassic (A.D. 900-1521) town of Xaltocan before and after Aztec imperial rule. My work in Xaltocan has also focused heavily on modern day politics and culture as they relate to the town's Prehispanic heritage. 

Starting in 2024, I began a new research project at the Classic period Maya site of Chan Chich in Belize where I am investigating a elite courtyard complex. This project is part of the the larger Belize Estates Archaeological and Survey Team (BEAST). A small group of Gettysburg College students participate in this exciting research. For more information about opportunities to work at Chan Chich in the future, please contact me directly. 

In addition to my research in Mesoamerica, I also co-direect a campus archaeological project with my colleague, Ben Luley. We are currently investigating the Hopkins Custodial House, located just north of Penn Hall. For more information about this project please see our class blog. 

I teach a wide range of courses at the college, including our introductory course in archaeology (ANTH 106), our archaeological methods course (ANTH 324), and many 200-level electives, some of which are cross-listed with other departments.