Alfred Marston Tozzer (1877-1954) was a prominent American figure in the field of anthropology, particularly regarding the Maya civilization [Wikipedia]. His expertise spanned several disciplines:
- Archaeology: Tozzer led expeditions to uncover Mayan ruins, including Tikal and Nakum in Guatemala. He analyzed the sites' architecture and inscriptions, establishing connections between stylistic changes and chronological periods [Britannica].
- Linguistics: Tozzer delved into the Mayan language. His work, "A Maya Grammar" (1921), documented his findings at Santiago Ahuizolta, Mexico [Britannica].
- Ethnology: Tozzer believed a thorough understanding of a culture necessitated a combined approach, integrating archeological, linguistic, and social aspects [Britannica].
Here's a quick summary of his career:
- Earned degrees in anthropology at Harvard University [Wikipedia].
- Conducted initial fieldwork among Native American groups in the Southwest US [Institute of Maya Studies].
- Directed an expedition for Harvard's Peabody Museum to Guatemala (1909-1910) [Harvard University Archives].
- Served as Chairman of the Anthropology Department at Harvard [Wikipedia].
- Received recognition for his contributions, including becoming a member of prestigious academic societies [Wikipedia].
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