An archaeologist’s journey from Peru to Bolivia

Central Michigan University student Maaz Ahmed explores the contributions of Sergio Chavez, Professor emeritus of Anthropology who retired from CMU in January. Chavez began teaching at CMU in 1982. He has maintained an active field archaeology research site in the Lake Titicaca Basin of Bolivia for decades, mentoring CMU students and others in field and laboratory research.

We extend our congratulations to Professor Chavez as he receives a lifetime achievement award for his contributions to Andean archaeology from the National Congress of Peru December 17^th in Lima.

Professor emeritus Sergio Chavez's journey into archaeology began at a very young age, deeply influenced by his father's involvement in the field. Born in Peru, he grew up helping with excavations, measurements, mapping, and drawings from the time he was a child. This early exposure ignited a lifelong passion for uncovering and preserving the history embedded in ancient sites and remains. He later married Karen Mohr Chavez, who graduated from the University of Pennsylvania, conducted research in Peru and Bolivia, and taught at CMU until she passed away in 2001.

Chavez's career took a significant turn when political and military turmoil in Peru made it difficult to continue their work. Left-wing groups attempted to take over the government, creating a perilous environment for travel and research. As a result, Chavez and his wife relocated to Bolivia, specifically to the Copacabana Peninsula, a decision that would shape his career for decades to come.

In Bolivia, Chavez and his wife faced the challenge of being non-citizens, requiring permits to work. Despite these obstacles, he dedicated himself to the creation of an international research project which included the participation of well-known specialists in the fields of paleozoology, botany, geology, and ethnography collaborating with the Bolivian government for over 30 years.  His work in this field was published in the book Managing Archaeological Resources (2008) with a notable article titled "How to Integrate Local People in Archaeological Projects."

One of Chavez's most significant achievements in Bolivia was his work in Copacabana. Over the years, he hired and trained local Aymara people in archaeological excavation and laboratory techniques, emphasizing the importance of careful, scientific methods over hasty digging. This collaboration not only enriched the local community, but also ensured that the archaeological work respected and preserved the native heritage through the creation of local museums.

Education played a crucial role in Chavez's approach. Realizing that many of the locals lacked basic literacy, he initiated a bilingual education program. With personal funding, he supported the translation of high school textbooks from Spanish to Aymara, enabling locals to receive an education in their native language. This program resulted in the literacy of 500 individuals and the graduation of more than 20 with high school degrees.

Chavez's dedication to education extended to inviting students from CMU and other institutions in Bolivia to teach mathematics and other subjects to the local community.

Chavez's archaeological endeavors included excavating several 2,000-year-old temples, a monumental task aimed at understanding the ancient culture and promoting tourism to benefit the local economy.

Despite challenges, such as local families' reluctance to transform their farmland into tourist sites, Chavez managed to acquire land at one site and establish a community museum. This museum houses artifacts from the excavations, ensuring that the historical treasures remain accessible to the local community.

Environmental issues also became a focal point of Chavez's work, which continue today with his wife Stanislava Chavez. That work includes the documentation of stone-walled agricultural terraces which constitute the largest such structures in the Western Hemisphere, dated from ca. 2000 years ago and continue to be used in the present.

The second major issue is the contamination of Lake Titicaca—the highest navigable lake in the world at 12,600 ft above sea level—by agricultural runoff, industrial waste, and untreated human waste, which poses severe health risks.

In 2022, the Chavez’s collaborated with the chemistry and engineering departments at CMU, specifically with chemist Anja Mueller and chemical engineer Itzel Marquez, to analyze water samples and address the pollution problem. This initiative aims to safeguard both the local population and the burgeoning tourism industry.

Sergio Chavez's journey from Peru to Bolivia highlights the intersection of archaeology, education, and community involvement. His work not only unearthed ancient history, but also fostered a deep connection between the past and the present for the local communities. Chavez's contributions serve as a testament to the power of integrating scientific research with cultural sensitivity and community participation.