The Midwest Conference on Andean and Amazonian Archaeology and Ethnohistory had its genesis in 1972 as an informal gathering of scholars and students in the Midwest who wished to share accounts of fieldwork and ongoing research projects. Over the years it has developed into what many consider a "model" for regional conferences. Despite considerable growth in the number of hosting and participating institutions, it has retained a predominantly regional and informal character in a forum that informs and stimulates the research interests of all involved. It has also developed as a conference with much higher student participation and attendance than many national meetings.

The event traditionally occurs on the last weekend of February. Participants often arrive on Friday evening and attend papers on Saturday (morning and afternoon) and Sunday (morning only). Talks generally consist of various 20-minute talks with 10 minutes of question-and-answer at the end of each presentation. Unlike many national conferences, there are no concurrent sessions; participants all attend the same set of presentations. The Midwest Andean Conference does not generate a published proceedings; historically, by general - but not unanimous - consensus, it has been regarded as a more informal context for summarizing current research that will eventually be published elsewhere.

Each year the conference has been sponsored by universities such as the University of Michigan (2009), University of Wisconsin (2008), Southern Illinois University (2007), Vanderbilt University (2006), and the University of Missouri (2005).

The presentations investigate some aspect of Andean and Amazonian archaeology, ethnohistory, ethnography, or bioarchaeology. Within this theme, however, there is a wide variety of topics ranging from recent excavations of archaeological sites to analysis of colonial documents. The Midwest Andean Conference is a multidisciplinary event that unites scholars from different research institutions throughout the Midwest and world.

The event is free and open to the public, however, registration is required.

Please register for the conference by clicking here.

Sponsored by:

Indiana University - Purdue University Fort Wayne

Department of Anthropology

College of Arts and Sciences

Office of Research and External Support