Sean M. Rafferty

My research involves the archaeology of Eastern North America.  Within this region, I am interested in the interplay between ritual practices and cultural variability, especially within the area of mortuary practices and smoking rituals.  I have research interests in the field of archaeometry, with a specialty in residue analysis using chromotographic approaches.  These research interests coincide with my ongoing research into the origins of tobacco smoking in the Eastern Woodlands of North America. 

Interests: Archaeology and Ethnohistory of Eastern Woodlands, Archaeometry, Early Woodland and Adena Period Archaeology, Prehistoric Use of Medicinal and Psychoactive Plants, Public Outreach in Archaeology, Shamanism and Religion in Small-Scale Societies, Ethnobotany, Ritual Practices 

Areas: Eastern North America