Archaeology of the Borderlands

Exploring the cultural heritage & landscapes of the U.S.-Mexico Borderlands.

Nicole M. Mathwich, Ph.D.

I am an assistant professor in Anthropology at San Diego State University. In my teaching and research, I seek to cross and weave borders together, whether between humans and animals, U.S. and Mexico, or archaeology and history. I explore the connection between economy and ecology in Southwestern U.S. and the noroeste of Mexico.

My research explores the shifting the relationships of humans, landscapes, and animals following the introduction of livestock to the region. I examine these relationships with a suite of tools, including zooarchaeology, social networks, stable isotopes, oral histories, and historical documents.

Take a look at my blog.

See my current and past projects and publications

San Diego State University Department of Anthropology

What Am I Working On?

  • Public talk for Archaeology Café

    In Fall 2023, I gave an online talk summarizing my American Antiquity article about identifying semi-feral ranching strategies at Pimería Alta missions.

    Public talk for Archaeology Café