Additional Information

Available Through

EBSCO Host, Academic OneFile (no direct URL available)

Language

English

Notes

Abstract:
In this article, the author explores ethical, legal and policy questions regarding the practices of burial archaeology and research on human remains. Particular focus is paid to the processes by which human remains have ended up in the collections of museums. In addition, the author discusses how the law, archaeologists and the general public seem to differentiate between the ethical treatment of the recently dead and the ethical treatment of more ancient human remains.

Taxonomies

RPA Codes & Standards

• Appropriate Dissemination of Research
• Archaeologist's Responsibility to Colleagues, Employees, and Students
• Archaeologist's Responsibility to Employers and Clients
• Archaeologist's Responsibility to the Public
• Integrity of Research Methodology

CIfA Codes

• Principle 1: Adherence to ethical and responsible behaviour in archaeological affairs
• Principle 2: Responsibility for the conservation of the historic environment
• Principle 3: Responsibility for acquiring and recording reliable information of the past in archaeological research
• Principle 4: Responsibility for the availability of archaeological results within reasonable dispatch
• Principle 5: Recognition of aspirations of employees, colleagues and helpers in all matters of employment

Keywords & Terms

• Burials and Human Remains
• Consultation/Partnership with Affected Groups
• Local, State, Federal, and Tribal Laws
• Museum, Collection, Curation and Display Standards
• Professional Standards
• Respect for and Responsibility to Affected Groups
• Standards of Data Collection, Recordation, Analysis

Topics & Issues

• Biological Anthropology/Archaeology
• Ethical Responsibilities of Archaeologists
• Human Remains and Ethical Practice
• Legislation and Archaeological Preservation
• Museum and Display Ethics
• Public Engagement, Outreach, and Education