Cultural identity in complex societies
Household and community archaeology
Gender and engendered archaeology
Ethnohistorical and historical archaeologies
Ceramic style and function
Mesoamerica and Lower Central America
Current research employs archaeological, ethnohistorical, and art historical perspectives to interpret the cultural processes involved in ethnic change during the Bagaces and Sapoa periods in Pacific Nicaragua, when historical accounts claim close affiliation with Mesoamerican groups from central Mexico. This research supplements continuing investigations into cultural identity in Postclassic Cholula and Oaxaca. A third research theme involves the archaeological interpretation of gender relations in pre-Columbian Mesoamerica.