J. Brett Hill

J. Brett Hill is a Professor of Anthropology at Hendrix College, specializing in archaeological studies of Indigenous North American societies, particularly focusing on the American Southwest. His research examines prehistoric migration patterns, social networks, environmental adaptation, and cultural identity formation among ancient communities like the Hohokam, Kayenta, and Salado. He has contributed significantly to understanding the collapse of cooperative irrigation systems, diaspora dynamics, and the coalescence of cultural identities in precontact societies.

Professor Hill’s work spans multiple regions, including the Lower San Pedro Valley, the Wadi al-Hasa in Jordan, and northwestern Mexico. He has published extensively on topics such as Hohokam irrigation, Kayenta immigrant enclaves, and the role of environmental factors in settlement patterns. His 2018 book, From Huhugam to Hohokam: Heritage and Archaeology in the American Southwest, explores the evolution of cultural identity through archaeological evidence.

Recent research interests include transnational archaeological collaboration and the application of social network analysis to prehistoric societies. His articles often bridge environmental science and cultural studies, highlighting the interconnectedness of socio-natural systems in ancient contexts.

Since joining Hendrix College in 2015, Hill has been involved in engaged learning initiatives, including Odyssey Program-funded projects. His teaching and scholarship emphasize critical engagement with Indigenous histories and the ethical responsibilities of archaeology in contemporary heritage preservation.