José M. Capriles

José M. Capriles is an Associate Professor in the Department of Anthropology at Penn State University, specializing in Andean archaeology. His research focuses on human adaptation in the South American Andes and Amazonia during the late Pleistocene-early Holocene transition, the development of early camelid pastoralism, and the impact of complex polities like Tiwanaku and Inca on subsistence communities. He conducts fieldwork in Bolivia and Chile while collaborating with international interdisciplinary teams.

• Climate change adaptation
• Radiocarbon dating applications
• Cultural heritage preservation
• Indigenous community engagement

Recent publications highlight his work in Andean archaeology, with emphasis on radiocarbon dating, stable isotope analysis, and interdisciplinary approaches combining archaeobotany and paleoclimatology. His research spans topics such as ancient manioc cultivation, temple architecture, and desert agricultural systems. Current projects include analyzing the Chinchorro fibre management and reconstructing Inca Period camelid sacrifices.