Brent Woodfill

Dr. Brent Woodfill is Professor of Anthropology at Winthrop University, specializing in Maya archaeology with a focus on ritual landscapes, ancient economies, and community-engaged research. He directs archaeological investigations at Salinas de los Nueve Cerros, a major salt-production center occupied for over 2,000 years, where his work integrates scientific research with community development initiatives.

His research examines how sacred landscapes shaped economic networks and cultural continuity across Maya history. Woodfill collaborates extensively with Q'eqchi' Maya communities to preserve cultural heritage while addressing contemporary needs like clean water access and ecotourism development.

Woodfill has published two books and over thirty articles reconstructing trade routes through Guatemala's Pasión-Verapaz region and analyzing the intersection of ritual and economics in ancient Maya society. His current work investigates how salt production influenced political power and regional connectivity.