V. Garth Norman, Archeologist

V. Garth Norman has specialized in Epigraphy and Archaeoastronomy of Izapa and its monuments for over 40 years. He serves as Director of Archaeological Research Consultants (ARCON 1982-present) for public archaeology.  Norman’s pioneering study of Izapa Sculpture for the New World Archaeological Foundation resulted in three publications:  Izapa Sculpture Album (1973), Izapa Sculpture Text (1976) and Astronomical Orientations of Izapa Sculptures (1980) — definitive foundational works for ongoing Izapa research.  His recent Izapan publications 1) Izapa Tour Guide booklet (2010) and 2) Izapa Sacred Space: Sculpture Calendar Codex (2012) are rewriting Formative Mesoamerican history and their influence through migrations to South and North America (see also Parowan Gap, Nature’s Perfect Observatory –Norman 2007).  Norman holds Graduate Degrees in Ancient Studies and in Archaeology-Anthropology from Brigham Young University.  He is affiliated with many research organizations and has participated internationally with numerous professional symposiums, most frequently with the Society for American Archaeology (SAA).  He has lectured widely including the National Museum of Anthropology and History in Mexico City on the “Origin of the Maya Calendar at Izapa” (August 17, 2012).   He is affiliated with Izapa Cosmos, A.C. in Tapachula, Mexico and The Maya Conservancy (www.themayaconservancy.org) of Mexico & Guatemala.  Garth and his wife Cheryl reside in American Fork, Utah, and have three married daughters and 16 grandchildren.