Projects
The research project will be conducted during two-month residencies:
New Zealand
(May - June, 2019)
Guatemala
(October - November, 2019)
Peru
(June - July, 2022)
Because of the cultural synergy that exists within Polynesia, Mesoamerica, and the Andes, research may also encompass other areas such as Micronesia, Mexico, and Bolivia.
The planned project outcomes are:
I- Knowledge Base and Network
The project will create a cross-cultural knowledge base of scientific and cultural knowledge about the Pleiades. The information will be gathered through ethnographic interviews with prior and informed consent of the knowledge holders. Results will be shared following the protocols of each culture. The knowledge base will also have information about the knowledge holders, scholars, and students to facilitate cross-cultural collaboration.
II- Children´s Books
To engage and motivate future generations, the project will create outlines for multi-language children’s books juxtaposing the three knowledge systems of the Pleiades and highlighting the indigenous languages.
III- Workshops, Presentations, and Publications
Cultural astronomy workshops at the host communities will serve as a mutually-beneficial framework of collaboration and reciprocity. The workshops will highlight local cultural astronomy and will include star-gazing and observing sessions with community participation and featured elder presenters. Presentations will share emerging knowledge in academic as well as general public venues. Results will be published broadly in collaboration with colleagues in the host countries.
IV- International Symposium
1st Mesoamerican Congress
on Cultural Astronomy