Grave site processing Flashcards

1
Q

What are the Farch’s responsibilities?

A
  • Record their actions at the scene
  • Ensure that the feature is investigated using the most appropriate archaeological technique
  • Maintain stratigraphic integrity
  • Maximise the recovery of the evidence
  • Advise on sampling collections
  • Understand scene protocols
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2
Q

What is a mass burial?

A

A mass of bodies (organised or disorganised) in intimate contact with each other and deposited in the same grave.

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3
Q

What is a multiple burial?

A

Simultaneous deposition of several bodies

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4
Q

What is a collective burial?

A

Deposition of multiple bodies over a period of time.

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5
Q

What is a common feature of multiple burials/mass graves?

A

Differential preservation between individuals and remains of single individuals ➔ difference is greater the more commingled the remains, the larger the mass, and the more contact there is between bodies.

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6
Q

What is the main driver of decomposition?

A

Temperature is the main driver of decomposition in mass graves

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7
Q

What happens to bodies at the centre of mass graves?

A

Bodies at the centre are exposed to taphonomic factors and agents within the mass.

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8
Q

What happens to bodies on the periphery of mass graves?

A

Bodies on the periphery are exposed to taphonomic factors and agents at the interface between mass, the deposit, and the grave cut (feather-edge effect).
- Bodies on the periphery tend to decompose and skeletonise quicker than those at the centre.

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9
Q

How should you excavate & recover a mass burial?

Buried remains

A

❑ The most successful method is eyewitness testimony.
❑ Probe potential sites (e.g. ground-penetrating radar, aerial photography, LiDAR, geoelectrical/magnetic techniques, identify soil/vegetation disturbances/irregularities).
❑ Complete a simple sketch map indicating:
▪ Directionality.
▪ Grave location (GPS coordinates).
▪ Relocatable features (i.e. reference feature).
▪ Notes where probes/search techniques
were employed.

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10
Q

What are metal detectors essential for in mass burials?

A

Use of a metal detector is essential to identify munitions, metal fixtures, and/or clothing.

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11
Q

What are the steps for excavating and recovering buried remains in mass burials?

Condition, trenches

A

❑ Step 1: compare the present condition of the site to its condition at the end of the test excavation.
❑ Step 2: relocate and empty the test trenches (if time has passed since they were dug).
❑ Step 3: remove grave fill to a depth of 30cm over bodies
❑ Step 4: excavate border trenches around the perimeter of the grave site to assist with drainage.
❑ Step 5: The removal of bodies.

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12
Q

What should you take care of when excavating mass burials?

A

❑ Great care must be taken not to damage skin, especially around the face and hands
❑ Take care not to disarticulate remains.

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13
Q

What should you do after removing bodies from a mass burial

A

❑ Search beneath the removed body for any remaining evidence potentially associated with that body.
❑ Once all bodies are removed, the bottom of the grave must be scoured for additional evidence (incl. the use of metal detectors).

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14
Q

If the body is intact…

A

❑ Excavate soil to base of body.
❑ Use log-roll technique to lift body
❑ Collect any residue & soil samples from beneath body.
❑ Sieve soil from beneath and around body for evidence.
❑ Bag hands and feet w/ brown bags & zip ties/elastic bands

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15
Q

If the body is skeletonised…

A

❑ Ensure, as far as possible, all bones are exposed before removal.
❑ DO NOT pull bones out of the ground!
❑ Lift bones individually after recording.
❑ Lightly clean bones (NO water).
❑ Bag L & R bones separately.
❑ Bag the fourth rib separately.
❑ Secure bones for transport to limit damage.

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16
Q

How should you package remains?

A

❑ NEVER mark bones directly.
❑ Each bone should be identified inside AND
outside of its packaging URN + precise location
❑ For soft-tissue-free bones, place in brown
paper bags ➔ avoids mould build-up from moisture.
❑ Include padding (e.g. bubble wrap) between
packages when sealing in transport box/body
bag.

17
Q

What bones should be packaged separately?

A

❑ The skull (cranium + mandible) should be packaged separately to ensure teeth and soil inside the skull are retained for analysis
❑ Vertebrae should be packaged by group (i.e.
cervical, thoracic, and lumbar)
❑ Innominates & sacrum (pelvic bones) should also be packaged separately with special attention given to preserving the pubic
symphyseal faces

18
Q

Excavation and Recovery of multiple burials/mass graves

Tested, horizontal, excavation, document, cross

A

❑ Large graves should be tested before excavation.
❑ Determine amount of overburden AND horizontal extent of the grave.
❑ Design appropriate excavation strategy, logistical needs & scope of project.
❑ Undertake thorough documentation of site (incl. photographing & detailed mapping indicating contouring and all surface features.
❑ Use of a metal detector is essential to identify munitions, metal fixtures, and/or clothing
❑ Begin cross-trenching (1m wide) to minimally extend to edges of grave and to a depth of the top of the bodies.
❑ Have monitor to observe soil being removed and stop test-trencher(s) should any non-soil material be encountered

19
Q

What should the final product be in excavation & recovery of mulitple burials/mass graves?

A
  • Map showing site area,
  • trenches,
  • human remains,
  • grave pit,
  • depth of top layer of bodies
  • photographic record of process
  • photo log
  • evidence log.
20
Q

What can videotaping help?

A

Videotaping/camera trapping the grave site 24hrs/day helps document any disturbance (intentional or otherwise) and conversely proves that no disturbance has occurred.

21
Q

Cranium

Multiple burials/mass graves

A

Plot horizontal and vertical position of cranium, and plot body outlines.

22
Q

Hands and feet

multiple burials/mass graves

A

Wrap hands and feet in bags as soon as exposed to preserve personal identifying information (e.g. rings), perimortem fractures/amputations/wounds (e.g. defence wounds).

23
Q

Skin

Multiple burials/mass graves

A

Great care must be taken not to damage skin, especially around face and hands (use bamboo tools and brushes).

24
Q

Body

Multiple burials/mass graves

A

Photograph, map and describe body in detail prior to removal.