Ben Fitzhugh has made substantial contributions to Sub-Arctic and Arctic archaeology through his extensive research, which explores the social and cultural evolution of arctic and subarctic maritime hunter-gatherer societies. As a professor in the Department of Anthropology at the University of Washington in Seattle, Dr. Fitzhugh focuses on understanding the complexities of these ancient communities and their interactions with challenging environments. His work examines how these societies adapted to environmental changes, managed resources, and developed resilience in the face of shifting climates and natural hazards. Dr. Fitzhugh has authored numerous research publications and books on a wide array of topics, including the evolution of socially complex hunter-gatherer societies, human biogeography, social networking across diversely populated landscapes. His research provides valuable insights into how ancient communities responded to cultural and environmental stresses, exploring concepts such as vulnerability, resilience, risk sensitivity, and technological evolution.
Recently, I had the privilege of interviewing Dr. Fitzhugh. Our conversation highlighted his involvement, background, and future insights regarding archaeology.
Background
Dr. Ben Fitzhugh’s journey into the world of archaeology began at a remarkably young age. Growing up in a family where archaeology was a constant presence, he was introduced to the field by his father, a prolific archaeologist focused on the Sub-Arctic and Arctic regions. From the time he was about three years old, Dr. Fitzhugh would accompany his father on excavation sites, learning archaeology through hands-on experience. These early years spent on-site sparked a lifelong passion for the discipline and laid the foundation for his career.
As he grew older, Dr. Fitzhugh became increasingly involved in fieldwork and analyses. It was in graduate school that he developed an appreciation for the leading questions that justify archaeology—and analyzing his findings and piecing them together to form conclusions as his career advanced. He went on to earn his Ph.D. in anthropology from the University of Michigan and ultimately chose to follow in his father’s footsteps, focusing on the North Pacific Rim region and participating in significant excavations in Alaska, Japan, and the Kuril Islands. This shift towards problem-oriented analysis has become a central focus of his work throughout his career in recent years, in which he has sought to contribute to a greater understanding of the maritime hunter-gatherer societies in these regions.
Field and Research Experiences
During my interview with Dr. Ben Fitzhugh, I had the opportunity to learn about some of the challenges he faces in his fieldwork, particularly in remote and often dangerous locations. His research often takes him to areas far from urban centers, where logistical issues and safety are top priorities. Dr. Fitzhugh explained that working in such remote places requires thorough preparation, especially in terms of communication and emergency protocols. For example, many of the sites he works on lack cell service or internet access, so archaeologists rely on satellite radios to stay in touch with the outside world and to call for help if an emergency arises.
One particularly memorable incident Dr. Fitzhugh recounted was a tsunami warning that was issued while his team was conducting excavation work. Without immediate access to conventional communication methods, the crew had to act quickly, evacuating the site and moving to higher ground to ensure their safety. This experience highlighted the unpredictable nature of fieldwork in such extreme environments and the importance of having safety protocols in place.
Another safety concern that is common in regions like Alaska is the potential for encountering dangerous wildlife. Dr. Fitzhugh mentioned that bear spray was an essential tool for his crew, especially when working in areas where brown and polar bears are prevalent. While these bears are a fascinating aspect of the environment, they also pose a significant risk, and the crew needed to be prepared for potential encounters.
Additionally, Dr. Fitzhugh shared a unique and challenging situation that occurred during his work on the Kuril Islands, a region embroiled in complex, ongoing political tensions between Russia and Japan. Known as the Kuril Islands dispute, this territorial conflict centers on a group of islands that were originally part of Japan. However, at the end of World War II, the Soviet Union took control of the southernmost islands of the chain in 1945, following Japan’s defeat. This has led to an unresolved disagreement over the islands’ ownership, despite numerous rounds of diplomatic negotiations over the decades.
Dr. Fitzhugh described working alongside both Russian and Japanese colleagues, with each team operating from different areas of the Kuril Islands. The American field crew, including Dr. Fitzhugh, had traveled to the contested islands in the southern region of the chain to conduct a survey, while the Japanese crew remained on an uncontested island in the northern region to avoid traveling to the disputed islands under a Russian visa. Upon returning to Seattle, Dr. Fitzhugh and his team were met with a tense confrontation from members of the Japanese Consulate, who expressed frustration on behalf of the Hokkaido prefectural government regarding the American crew’s visit to a contested island under a Japanese visa. Thankfully, despite these challenges, the field operation was successfully completed, and all teams returned home safely. This experience underscored how geopolitical tensions can unexpectedly impact archaeological work, especially in contested regions.
Advice for Aspiring Archaeologists
When I asked Dr. Fitzhugh for advice for aspiring archaeologists, he offered some insightful words that go beyond just the excitement of fieldwork. While fieldwork is often the most visible and thrilling part of archaeology, Dr. Fitzhugh emphasized the importance of balancing it with research and academic work. He encouraged aspiring archaeologists to think critically about the broader research questions they want to explore and not to get solely caught up in the hands-on aspect of excavation. He explained that archaeology is a deeply interdisciplinary field, requiring not just field skills, but also a solid understanding of theory, history, and analytical techniques.
Dr. Fitzhugh stressed that successful archaeologists are those who can bridge the gap between the field and the lab, combining practical excavation work with detailed research analysis. He recommended that students take the time to build their research skills and engage with the academic side of archaeology early on, as it can be easy to overlook this aspect when the excitement of fieldwork takes center stage. Archaeology, after all, is about more than just uncovering the past; it’s about understanding and interpreting the data to create meaningful narratives that contribute to our broader knowledge of human history.
Thank you so much to Dr. Fitzhugh for his support and encouragement in writing this post! If you are interested in learning more about his research, click here.
