Â鶹AV

Remembering Dr. Carol J. Mackey

It is with deep sadness that we share news that our dear friend and mentorÌýDr.ÌýCarolÌýJ.ÌýMackeyÌýpassed away peacefully at home on June 25, 2025.

CarolÌýMackeyÌýwas a Professor Emerita at Â鶹AV and a leading expert on the Chimú Empire of northern Peru. She earned a PhD in anthropology from the University of California, Berkeley with a study on khipus, based on her work with those still using them in the highlands of Perú. From 1969 to 1975 she was codirector, with Michael Moseley, of the Chan Chan–Moche Valley Project in Peru. She went on to study Chimú and Inca provincial administrative centers, excavating at Manchan in Casma and at El Algarrobal de Moro and Farfán in Jequetepeque. She has written many articles on the art and archaeology of the north coast of Peru, along with Twenty-Four Architectural Plans of Chan Chan, Peru (with Michael Edward Moseley; 1974), Ancient Burial Patterns of the Moche Valley, Peru (with Christopher B. Donnan; 1978), andÌýÌý(with Andrew J. Nelson, 2020). Her archive of thousands of photos of Lambayeque, Chimú, and Inca ceramic vessels and other objects is available to all at TheÌýCarolÌýJ.ÌýMackeyÌýArchive at the Media Center for Art History at Columbia.

CarolÌýconducted sustained field archaeological research at a time when not many women did and created a safe environment for everyone. She fostered a horizontal relationship in her projects, always taking time to explain to students her decisions and interpretations. She encouraged exchange of ideas and shared experiences between young Peruvian and American scholars, creating room for friendship to grow over ceviche and beers. Her formidable legacy lives on in the lives, projects, and friendships of all of us lucky enough to have been her students and colleagues.

Media Release: Â鶹AV Prof’s Research Offers Glimpse of Life for Early Europeans More Than 40,000 Years Ago

Congratulations to Dr. Hélène Rougier and team on their new feature in Â鶹AV’s Newsroom!

For more of the media release, visit the .

Hiring for Academic Year 2025-2026

The Â鶹AV Department of Anthropology is accepting applications for anticipated Part-Time Faculty Openings during Academic Year 2025-2026.

To apply, visit the Faculty Part-Time Position Announcement AY 2025-26.

Why Do We Have Rituals?

• November 22, 2024

Find out more information on the Announcement & Events page!

Learning to Listen Better - Finding Understanding, Compromise and Mutual Support among Diverse Value Systems in Historic Preservation

• October 23, 2024

Find out more information on the Announcement & Events page!

Department Graduate Program Application Deadlines:

• March 1, 2025Ìý- department application deadline

For more informationÌýabout the department’s graduate program, please visit ourÌýÂ鶹AV Graduate Programs in Anthropology and Archaeology page.

Apply to B.A. in Anthropology

To add the Minor, please contact the Undergraduate Advisor.

To add the Minor, please contact the Undergraduate Advisor.

Apply to M.A. in Anthropology

Apply to M.A. in Public Archaeology

Apply to the Certificate Programs