Additional Information

Language

English

Notes

Abstract: This article discusses ethical frameworks for planning and implementing composite research in the United States. Composites, defined here as archaeological materials with multiple genetic sources, include materials such as sediment, coprolites, birch pitch, and dental calculus. Although composites are increasingly used in genetic research, the ethical considerations of their use in ancient DNA studies have not been widely discussed. Here, we consider how composites’ compositions, contexts, and potential to act as proxies can affect research plans and offer an overview of the primary ethical concerns of ancient DNA research. It is our view that ethical principles established for analyses of Ancestral remains and related materials can be used to inform research plans when working with composite evidence. This work also provides a guide to archaeologists unfamiliar with genetics analyses in planning research when using composite evidence from the United States with a focus on collaboration, having a clear research plan, and using lab methods that provide the desired data with minimal destruction. Following the principles discussed in this article and others allows for engaging in composite research while creating and maintaining positive relationships with stakeholders.

Taxonomies

RPA Codes & Standards

• Adequate Preparation for Research Projects
• Appropriate Dissemination of Research
• Archaeologist's Responsibility to Employers and Clients
• Integrity of Research Methodology
• Specimen and Research Record Storage

CIfA Codes

• Principle 1: Adherence to ethical and responsible behaviour in archaeological affairs

Keywords & Terms

• Adequate Preparation
• Birch Pitch
• Burials and Human Remains
• Consultation/Partnership with Affected Groups
• Consultation/Partnership with Indigenous Peoples
• Coprolites
• Dental Calculus
• Employer/Client Relationships
• General Archaeological Ethics
• Impact on Communities - Local, Descendant, etc.
• Indigenous, Tribal, Aboriginal Rights
• Informed Consent
• Integrity of Research Methodology and Field Procedures
• Respect for and Responsibility to Affected Groups
• Sediment
• Standards of Data Collection, Recordation, Analysis

Topics & Issues

• Ancient DNA/ Genetics
• Archaeological Ethics - Other
• Biological Anthropology/Archaeology
• Collaboration in Archaeology (i.e. Communities, Non-Archaeologists, etc.)
• Ethical Responsibilities of Archaeologists
• Ethics of Collecting
• Human Remains and Ethical Practice