Dr. Sean M. Rafferty
Trained as a specialist in the archaeology of prehistoric Eastern North America, Sean Rafferty has conducted excavations throughout New York State on a variety of archaeological sites and conducted substantial laboratory research, using techniques from chemistry and physics, to understand the function of ancient artifacts. Rafferty received his bachelor's in anthropology from Hartwick College (1990), and his master's (1994) and doctorate (2001) in anthropology from Binghamton University. He joined UAlbany as an assistant professor of anthropology in 2002. Within the region of Eastern North America, he is particularly interested in the interplay between ritual practices and cultural variability, especially within the area of mortuary practices and smoking rituals. He has research interests in the field of archaeometry, with a specialty in residue analysis using chromotographic approaches. These research interests coincide with his ongoing investigation into the origins of tobacco smoking in the Eastern Woodlands of North America. Together with Robb Mann, Sean is the editor of Smoking and Culture.
My research involves the archaeology of Eastern North America. Within this region, I am interested in the interplay between ritual practices and cultural variability, especially within the area of mortuary practices and smoking rituals. I have research interests in the field of archaeometry, with a specialty in residue analysis using chromotographic approaches. These research interests coincide with my ongoing research into the origins of tobacco smoking in the Eastern Woodlands of North America.
