Peter E. Siegel

Peter E. Siegel is a Professor of Anthropology at Montclair State University, affiliated with the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. His research focuses on New World archaeology, particularly pre-European cultures in eastern North America, the Caribbean, and lowland South America. He holds a BA from the University of Delaware and MA/PhD from SUNY Binghamton.

Key research interests include the evolution of complex societies, social inequality, village spatial organization, heritage management, and human-environment interactions. Siegel has conducted ethnoarchaeological fieldwork with Indigenous groups like the Shipibo in Peru and Waiwai/Wapisiana in Guyana. He directs archaeological projects across eastern North America and the Caribbean, emphasizing historical ecology and long-term sociocultural processes.

• Education:
  • BA, University of Delaware
  • MA, State University of New York at Binghamton
  • PhD, State University of New York at Binghamton

His recent publications include the edited volume Island Historical Ecology: Socionatural Landscapes of the Eastern and Southern Caribbean (2018), which integrates archaeological, environmental, and anthropological approaches to study Caribbean island ecosystems. He has also contributed to studies on pottery production, paleoenvironmental reconstruction, and colonial agricultural impacts.

Siegel’s work bridges archaeology, environmental science, and heritage preservation, addressing topics such as resilience in prehistoric societies, cultural heritage management, and the legacy of colonialism. His research often involves interdisciplinary collaborations and fieldwork in challenging island environments.