Elliott Fratkin

Elliott Fratkin received his B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania, his Masters of Philosophy from the London School of Economics and Political Science, and his PhD in Anthropology from the Catholic University of America (1987). His research focuses on economy, society, health, and social change among East African pastoralist societies including the Ariaal Rendille, Samburu, and Maasai of Kenya. Currently, he is studying the social and health consequences of the settling of former nomads in northern Kenya, and he is completing a book about traditional healers (Laibons) among Maasai speaking peoples.

Elliot joined Smith in 1995. He is currently the chair of the Anthropology Department and the department's Study Abroad adviser to East Africa, as well as an adviser to Smith's Environmental Sciences Program, International Relations Program at Smith, and the Five College Certificate in African Studies. He has also served as the Full Bright Scholar adviser.

Phone: (413) 585-3338

Fax: (413) 585-3389

Building: Wright Hall 107

E-mail: efratkin@email.smith.edu

More info: Biography & Interests