Stephen Acabado

Stephen Acabado is a Professor and Chair of the Archaeology Interdepartmental Program at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), and Director of the Center for Southeast Asian Studies. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Hawai’i (2010). His research focuses on anthropological archaeology in Southeast Asia, particularly the Ifugao agricultural terraces of the Philippines, examining indigenous responses to colonialism and environmental adaptation. His work challenges colonial narratives by demonstrating the terraces' relatively recent origins as a response to Spanish conquest, redefining highland-lowland distinctions as colonial constructs.

Acabado’s research integrates archaeology, ethnohistory, and community engagement. He emphasizes collaborative, decolonizing methodologies, actively involving Indigenous communities in fieldwork and heritage preservation. His projects in Ifugao, Taiwan, and other regions highlight socio-political transformations under colonialism, agricultural systems, and climate adaptation. He critiques conservation programs for ignoring cultural contexts and advocates for Indigenous-led approaches. His work has produced seminal studies on Ifugao social organization, landscape archaeology, and faunal/archaeobotanical analysis.

Acabado’s research also addresses heritage activism, plural entanglements in Philippine Studies, and the impermanence of scientific knowledge. He co-leads the Ifugao Archaeological Project, fostering Indigenous archaeology and community education. His publications span archaeological journals, edited volumes, and public-facing media, emphasizing transdisciplinary approaches. He has pioneered the use of Bayesian dating methods and GIS analysis in Southeast Asian archaeology.

Acabado’s contributions extend to education and public outreach, including animated films on Ifugao oral histories and curricular reforms in heritage education. His work bridges academic and community interests, prioritizing ethical collaboration and decolonization in archaeological practice.