Ethical and political ramifications of the reporting/non-reporting of native American ritualized violence

Abstract

Recent discoveries of mutilated skeletons in southern Indiana dating to 5,000 years B.P. have initiated significant scientific study of ritualized violence among aboriginal populations from the Ohio River Valley. Victims were usually young males, but females and children were also killed. The mutilation involved removing heads and/or forearms soon after death. The patterns of removal were consistent along the entire southern border of the state and lasted for over 1,000 years. The mutilations are significant scientifically because the process of trophy taking as well as the styles of burial for both the mutilation victims and those who were buried with harvested body parts demonstrate a level of cultural complexity that is not generally associated with foraging societies. However, there is risk in popularizing these findings because they may be used by the media to further stereotypes of savage Indians; the antithesis of what the findings indicate to the archaeological community. This forces researchers to strategically mete out publications in particular scientific outlets that are less likely to popularize the research. Unfortunately, the public at large ends up being circumvented. Attempts are currently underway to discuss the findings with Native groups so that they are aware of the intentions of the archaeologists and are not caught off guard if mutilation reports appear in popular media. Lastly, the benefits of establishing a meaningful and respectful dialog with descendant populations is put forth.