The Treatment & Display of Human Remains Flashcards
what are the advantages of studying ancient human remains?
human remains tell us how an individual lived (gender, health & disease, diet, societal position, genetics, racial background), and how they died (when, age, why, how)
what are the disadvantages of studying human remains?
there is no insight apart from physical remains, and the DNA may not be well-preserved
what are the special conditions needed to preserve human bodies, and give an example of what type of remains they create?
bog conditions (bog bodies → Lindow man), extreme dryness (mummification/desecration), extreme cold (Otzi), volcanic ash (Pompeii), and human intervention.
how are bog bodies preserved?
airless environment slows down the decaying process, which creates a preserved fossil in peat, then found by peat cutters, which least them often damaged
what is an example of a preserved bog body (who, where, when [discovered and lived])
Lindow Man, found in 1998 in England, is thought to have lived between 2BC - 119 AD
what injuries was Lindow Man found with?
fractured skull; 1 broken rib; strangulation/garrotting; throat cut open; stab wound to upper chest
how is Lindow Man suggested to have died?
as a part of a ritual sacrifice for the Festival of Beltane, or death from combat
how are ‘frozen’ bodies preserved?
the extreme cold or permafrost soil discourages micro-organisms that break down organic matter, allowing for human preservation
what is an example of a preserved ‘frozen’ body (who, where, when [discovered and lived])
Otzi the Iceman, found in 1991 in the Otztal Alps between Austria and Italy-→ the oldest known human mummy, thought to have live in 3300 BCE (Copper Age)
what does evidence suggest that Otzi was?
suggests that Otzi was a trader/merchant, or a shepherd, but he was definitely a Neolithic hunter
what significant evidence was Otzi found with?
a copper axe, which pushed back the Copper Age by years, and he wore shoes made of leather and stuffed with grass
what must one consider when displaying human remains?
the spiritual beliefs, with respect for their cultural/ethical/religious background
how was Otzi the Iceman killed?
he was shot by an arrow and then suffered significant head damage
what are the reasons FOR displaying human remains?
enhancing our education, and providing insight into past cultures & societies ways of life
what are the reasons AGAINST displaying human remains?
it is deeply unethical/disrespectful if displayed in the wrong way, which may violate a society’s beliefs
