Emily L. Jones, a professor of anthropology at the University of New Mexico and director of the university’s Zooarchaeology Lab, has been navigating the challenge of distinguishing between factual research and fictional storytelling. In addition to her academic work, Jones recently published her first young adult novel, “Nahia.”
Jones explained that popular films such as Indiana Jones and The Mummy have long blended fact with fiction in archaeology. These portrayals influenced her own interest in the field. “I think what these fantastical movies portray well is the excitement involved in touching the past,” said Jones. “Archaeology is tactile. When I analyze a piece, I’m touching materials that past people have held. It also involves solving mysteries from the past with little evidence. I think the movies show the tactile nature of the profession with the whodunnit part in an entertaining way.”
Despite appreciating how movies make archaeology accessible, Jones said she would shift cinematic focus from objects to people and their motivations if given a choice. She aims to strengthen connections between present-day society and historical populations.
Her research centers on human impacts on environments through zooarchaeology—the study of animals found in archaeological records—with a focus on periods marked by rapid environmental change.
“Archaeology has always attracted me because it offers a way to learn about people whose lives aren’t documented in the records we share and rely on for teaching and history,” Jones said. “No matter our background, those are most of our ancestors.”
The concept for “Nahia” arose while engaging students with questions about living through major prehistoric transitions in Europe. This approach led her to explore similar questions through fiction writing.
During her writing process, Jones referenced John Cage’s Ten Rules for Students and Teachers, especially rule 8: “Do not try to create and analyze at the same time. They are different processes.” She noted that she allowed imagination to guide her during drafting but later reviewed her work from an anthropological perspective to check facts.
Jones also included an author’s note in “Nahia” explaining which parts were based on established knowledge, which were invented, and which fell somewhere between fact and fiction. “I think it’s important to be as explicit as possible about what’s directly rooted in what we know and what’s pure imagination,” she said.
She described writing about magic as particularly challenging due to her scientific background but felt it was necessary for illustrating non-scientific worldviews within the story.
With “Nahia” now available for purchase, Jones is working on additional projects—including a scholarly book examining historical events following Spanish colonization in central New Mexico—and developing a new course titled Archaeology, Science and Imagination for introduction during the 2026–2027 academic year.
“I hope my research helps people to get excited about the past, and to respect those who came before us,” said Jones.
