Edward A. Jolie

Edward A. Jolie is the Clara Lee Tanner Associate Professor of Anthropology and Associate Curator of Ethnology at the Arizona State Museum, University of Arizona. He specializes in anthropological archaeology focusing on Native American material culture of the Americas, particularly perishable artifacts like textiles, baskets, and footwear. His research explores technological innovation, social interaction, and cultural transmission through these artifacts, with a strong emphasis on collaboration with Indigenous communities. Dr. Jolie leads the Perishable Material Culture Laboratory, one of the world’s leading facilities for analyzing organic archaeological materials, hosting collections from the U.S., Mexico, Honduras, and Peru. He also advocates for ethical practices in archaeology, including repatriation and Indigenous partnerships, informed by his mixed Oglala Lakota and Muscogee Creek heritage. His outreach includes public lectures, podcasts (e.g., Heritage Voices), and educational initiatives addressing Native American representation and ethical frameworks.

His academic background includes advanced training in archaeological methodology and ethnographic fieldwork. Research interests span the social dimensions of craft production, prehistoric technologies, and the intersection of archaeology with contemporary Indigenous rights. Notable contributions include studies on Chacoan culture, textile innovations, and the application of computational methods to document perishable artifacts.

Recent work addresses landscape changes affecting raw material access for contemporary artists, combining archaeological insights with applied solutions. His publications integrate archaeological, ethnographic, and experimental approaches to understand long-term cultural processes, emphasizing hands-on research and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Awards and recognitions are not explicitly listed, but his leadership roles and impactful research indicate significant contributions to the field. Teaching focuses on ethical reasoning and contemporary Indigenous experiences, shaping the next generation of archaeologists through critical engagement with sociocultural diversity.