Alfred Kidder The greatest archaeologist of the 20th century Date of Birth: 29.10.1885 Country: USA

1. Alfred Vincent Kidder: Pioneer of Southwestern Archaeology
2. Early Life and Education
3. Southwestern Archaeology
4. Pecos Conference and Anasazi Culture
5. Mesoamerican Explorations
6. Controversial Legacy
7. Literary Contributions

Alfred Vincent Kidder: Pioneer of Southwestern Archaeology

Alfred Vincent Kidder, renowned as the leading archaeologist of the 20th century, dedicated his life to uncovering the enigmatic history of the American Southwest and Mesoamerica.

Early Life and Education

Born into a mining engineer's family, Kidder initially pursued medical studies at Harvard College. However, his interest in archaeology was ignited during summer excavations conducted by the University of Utah in 1907. Subsequent digs in Colorado, Utah, and New Mexico cemented his passion for the field. In 1908, he earned his bachelor's degree from Harvard, followed by a doctorate in anthropology in 1914.

Southwestern Archaeology

Under the auspices of the Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology at Harvard, Kidder embarked on numerous expeditions to Arizona. His meticulous excavations yielded invaluable data, leading to a comprehensive ceramic classification system for Southwest and Central American Native American cultures. His seminal work, "Introduction to the Study of Southwestern Archaeology" (1924), became the first comprehensive synthesis of North American prehistory.

Pecos Conference and Anasazi Culture

In the late 1920s, Kidder convened a groundbreaking conference of archaeologists and ethnologists in Pecos, New Mexico. This gathering established the Pecos Classification, a seminal timeline for the archaeology of ancient Pueblo cultures. Later, in 1936, Kidder adopted the Navajo term "Anasazi" to designate the largest of these cultures.

Mesoamerican Explorations

Extending his research beyond the Southwest, Kidder also conducted extensive multidisciplinary investigations at the Mayan ruins of Kaminaljuyú in Guatemala. His findings contributed significantly to the understanding of Mayan civilization's stratigraphy.

Controversial Legacy

Kidder's extensive excavations, particularly at Pecos Pueblo in the early 20th century, unearthed ceramic and other artifacts that were subsequently housed in museums. However, the human remains discovered were sent to Harvard's Peabody Museum. At the time, it was customary to conduct excavations without seeking permission from Native American tribes. Although Kidder acknowledged the connection between the abandoned Pecos Pueblo settlement and the present-day Heme Pueblos, he did not anticipate their claims to the artifacts and remains.

Later legislation, including the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, recognized the Heme Pueblos as legal successors to the ancient Pecos community. Human remains excavated by Kidder's expedition were eventually returned to the Heme people in 1999 and reburied in Pecos National Historical Park. Kidder himself lies buried nearby, close to the ruins of Pecos Pueblo.

Literary Contributions

Kidder's written works, including "Introduction to the Study of Southwestern Archaeology," "The Pottery of Pecos" (two volumes), "The Artifacts of Pecos," and "Pecos, New Mexico: Archaeological Notes," remain foundational texts in the field. His legacy lives on through these works and the numerous students and colleagues he inspired.