Unearthing the Origins of Plantation Slavery on São Tomé

The African island nation played a central—but little-known—role in the rise of the global sugar trade based on enslaved labor.…

Treasure Hunters Pose Problems for Archaeologists

Two scholars discuss the challenges of accurately studying underwater archaeological heritage—among them, unauthorized acquisitions. This article was originally published at The…

Can Archaeology Help Restore the Oceans?

On the Channel Islands, archaeologists draw lessons in sustainability from historic Chumash fishing practices. USING THE PAST FOR THE FUTURE…

Why Nahua Pilgrims Carry Thousands of Papers Up Sacred Peaks

Along mountain pilgrimages, two anthropologists learn how an Indigenous Mesoamerican religion helps people practice a reciprocal relationship with the Earth.…

Aného’s Disappearing Coast

How do people adapt when the ground beneath their feet starts to wash away? All over the world, coastal communities…

The Conversion of Julio Tiwiram

What is shamanic power? And how does it affect modern politics in Indigenous Amazonia? In this episode, we follow the…

The Mexican River Defenders Fighting for the San Pedro

Nature-loving volunteers in the Mexican state of Chihuahua gather weekly on the banks of the San Pedro River to collect…

Alive in the Flapping of Infinite Orange Wings

Monarch butterflies’ epic annual migration from North America to Mexico inspires an anthropologist to reflect on this insect’s precarious life…

How Can Societies Decolonize Conservation?

Two archaeologists reflect on how social hierarchies harm biodiversity and how to move away from conservation efforts based on colonialist…

The Tragic Intersection of the Coronavirus and Ecotourism

The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the flaws and risks in a supposedly sustainable model of travel. The crisis may push ecotourism advocates to consider new strategies.