Michal Wigal

USC: COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES: DEPARTMENT OF ??


	FACULTY
	CONTACT INFORMATION
	GRADUATE PROGRAM
	UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAM
	AWARDS
	ANTHROPOLOGY COURSES
	FIELDWORK
	FIELD NOTES NEWSLETTER

COLLOQUIA

ANTHROPOLOGY STUDENT ASSOCIATION

HELPFUL UNIVERSITY SITES

RELATED DEPARTMENTS

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

DEPARTMENTAL INTERESTS

INTERESTING WEB SITES

SC ANTHROPOLOGY STUDENT CONFERENCE

DEPARTMENT EVENTS

MICHAL WIGAL

EDUCATION:
BA Anthropology, Centre College 2004
BA Economics, Centre College 2004

SUBFIELD
Cultural Anthropology

RESEARCH INTERESTS
Economic development, Caribbean ( Puerto Rico), Taino identity

THESIS TITLE:
Taino Identity Representation in Puerto Rico

PROFESSIONAL CONFERENCES
SAA Conference - 2006
San Juan, Puerto Rico

THESIS COMMITTEE MEMBERS:
Dr. Ann Kingsolver (Chair)
Dr. Joanna Casey
Dr. Tom Leatherman
Dr. Terry Weik

MA THESIS ABSTRACT:
My thesis discusses Taino Indian identity in Puerto Rico, particularly how the government, archaeologists, and groups claiming Taino identity use material culture to support their particular views on Taino history and current Taino identity. It examines the historical circumstances and political-economic issues that led to each view. The paper emphasizes the importance of considering Taino narratives that are outside the established academic discourse. It challenges official government and academic discourse as one established by early Spanish chronicles rather than indigenous interpretations. This requires a paradigm shift for anthropologists allowing for the consideration of the views of groups claiming Taino identity.

ADVISOR:
Dr. Ann Kingsolver

CONFERENCES ATTENDED:
SAA Conference, San Juan, Puerto Rico - 2006

AWARDS:
WIIS International Experience Award from the Richard L. Walker Institute of International Studies for research in Puerto Rico, Spring 2007

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS:
Society for Applied Anthropology

E-MAIL:
wigalm@mailbox.sc.edu

RETURN TO TOP

USC LINKS: