James M. Davidson, PhD

Associate Professor

Archaeology

James Davidson is an Associate Professor of Anthropology at the University of Florida, who specializes within historical archaeology of the 18th through 20th centuries, with a particular focus on historic mortuary archaeology and the African Diaspora. His primary archaeological research focuses on documenting aspects of the African-American experience, spanning enslavement to Jim Crow, through the exploration of historic cemeteries, plantations and Southern urban life. Dr. Davidson runs the Historical Archaeology lab on campus, where he mentors ongoing undergraduate and graduate research.

Areas of Specialization

  • African Diaspora
  • mortuary studies
  • cosmology and folk beliefs

Courses Taught

List of courses taught, including title and how often each is offered.
Course Title Frequency
ANT 3453/ANG 5931 - The Slave Narrative Alternate Years
ANT 4930 - African American Archaeology Alternate Years
ANT 4930/ANG 6930 - Jim Crow America Alternate Years
ANG 5172(ANT 4930) Historical Archaeology Alternate Years
ANG 6186(ANT 4930) Material Culture Alternate Years
ANG 6191(ANT 4930) Archaeology of Death Alternate Years

Education

  • Ph.D. Anthropology, University of Texas at Austin, 2004
  • M.A. Anthropology, University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, 1999
  • B.A. Archaeological Studies, University of Texas at Austin, 1990

Publications & Profiles

Google Scholar
CLAS People Page

Featured Books

Book cover featuring a photograph of an ancient, weathered iron padlock centered on a red background with black and white graphic cross marks behind it. Title "Cross Marks in the African Diaspora: A North American perspective" by James M. Davidson is displayed below the padlock, along with publisher information BAR International Series 3217 and year 2025.

Cross Marks in the African Diaspora
A North American perspective
This landmark study reexamines cross-marked artifacts from African-American sites dating from the 18th through 20th centuries, and replaces the simplistic Bakongo cultural origin model for these symbols and underlying beliefs, with a creolized, multi-cultural origin, derived from dozens of religions and associated African societies which were heavily impacted by the Transatlantic Slave Trade.