Culturally Sensitive and Scientifically Sound: Ethical Challenges of Human Osteology in Contemporary Archaeology in the United States of America

Abstract

Native American remains found within the context of archaeology are a point of extreme controversy and have a mixed past. Many scientists view archaeological human remains as bodies of evidence containing exclusive information in which they are entitled to. Yet Native Americans believe their ancestral remains should be treated with dignity and desire the right to decide how these remains are treated. Cultural Resource Management (CRM) is a form of archaeology that primarily works as a mitigation measure for development projects. Human osteologists or bioarchaeologists working within CRM face a multitude of difficulties including the lack of standardised guidelines on how to identify and record Native American remains, legal obligations, and political influence. It is important for osteologists to understand the unique cultural and political climates in which they work, and not to exceed their personal and professional abilities. Consequences experienced by Native Americans when underqualified personnel conduct osteological analyses on ancestral human remains are all too common and can be detrimental to the repatriation process, as the identification of bone is what gives Native Americans the right to reclaim their ancestors. This chapter will therefore highlight the importance of adopting a holistic approach to ethical practice and conduct when working with human remains in CRM in the United States of America.