Robert Edward Kaupp

Robert von Kaupp died in his sleep at home on Thursday, January 26, at the venerable age of 86. He was multilingual, having lived in France and Mexico for many years. He received an M.A. in anthropology from the University of the Americas in Mexico City in 1970, and a Ph.D. from the University of Massachusetts in 1971. After settling in Washington, D.C., in 1975, he used his independent income to fund his studies and field research that led to yearly treks in search of the last capital of the Inca Empire (Vilcabamba) and a Mexican jade source for the carvings by ancient pre-Columbian cultures. He published numerous monographs on his Andean field research, and a book entitled” Vilcabamba Desconocida” which is being translated into English. An active and entertaining friend, Robert was the prototype for Indiana Jones, Sr., and will be sorely missed. He’s survived by his former wife, Kathleen, his daughters Tatiana, Sigrid, Catherine, and Claudia, 3 grandchildren, Karim, Jessamine, Violet and 3 great-grandchildren, Félix, Sean and Ashley.

Arrangements under the direction of Joseph Gawler's Sons Inc., Washington, DC.