Topic 9: Bioarchaeology

Question 1

What is bioarcheology? How does it differ from biological anthropology?

Answer 1

• the study/archeology of human remains
• differs from biological anthropology because bioarcheologists seek to find the cultural context of the remains, to better understand broad implications of society and human nature
• context and provenience and matrix!

Question 2

Why does bioarcheology always start with ethics?

Answer 2

• any study of human remains needs to be a joint venture between archaeologists and the ancestors of those being studied. But the issue here is- who are the ancestors? Who gets to make this decision?
• additionally, cultural perspective is a key focus. not all cultures may view death the same, or view the study of human remains the same!
• Additionally, colonization is a major issue when it comes to bioarcheology. Many cultures and specifically indigenous people do not want to participate, due to past colonization.

Question 3

What was the “ancient one” controversy?

Answer 3

• ancient human remains found in Washington, that was excavated to be studied.
• the issues raised with the questioning on who had the ‘right’ to the remains.
• there were so many different perspectives to the remains, some agreed to some degree of study, others only wanted repatriation, and scientists who wanted to fully study the remains.
• these issues where fueled with issues in interpretation of analysis of the remains (like DNA analysis- one scientist claimed the body had more European DNA that indigenous)
• Ancient one was finally reburied in 2017.

Question 4

What are some questions to ask if we encounter unexpected remains while excavating?

Answer 4

• is it bone?
• is it human? (if it is, HALT and use proper notification processes)
• were to dig? What kinds of tools should we use?
• do we have an expert?

Question 5

What is a burial?

Answer 5

• a feature that includes skeletal remains, as well as artifacts and ecofacts as burial goods. 2 types, single vs. multiple

Question 6

What is a cemetery?

Answer 6

• evidence of multiple burials

Question 7

Why is context critical in bioarcheology?

Answer 7

• As bioarchaeologists, context is critical because of emphasis on not just examination of the skeletal remains, but because of the interpretation of “grave goods” and other objects (artifacts, features, and ecofacts) found in association
• Aka, why are people buried with the stuff they are?

Question 8

for sex estimation in human remains, what are the 5 skeletal sexes? Why are there so many?

Answer 8

female — probable female — ambiguous — male — probable male

• uses “known” individuals from specific, defined, populations, and accounts for clinal variation in humans. No AFAB people are all going to have the exact same characteristics

Question 9

what are 2 major skeletal remains we use for sex estimation in human remains?

Answer 9

• skull
• pelvis (most important)

Question 10

How do we use skulls for sex estimation in human remains?

Answer 10

• slight sexual dimorphism
• mastoid process: back of skull near ear, males tend to be larger and more obvious
• chin: male chins are more square, female more rounded
• nuchal crest: Back of skull, above the neck, in females is it smaller and smoother.

Question 11

How do we use pelvis bones for sex estimation in human remains?

Answer 11

Female pelvis are
- circular, wider opening
- flat sacrum
- broad and shallow sciatic notch
- larger and wider subpubic angle

Male pelvis:
- more funneled, heart shaped opening
- curved sacrum
- narrow and deep sciatic notch
- smaller and narrow subpubic angle

Question 12

Why can’t we identify sex on infant and child human remains?

Answer 12

• because they have not reached puberty yet, and have not yet developed secondary sexual characteristics

Question 13

What do we use to estimate age in human remains?

Answer 13

• growth and size
• fusion of epiphyses and cranial sutures
• “roughness” of pubic symphysis and rib ends
• dentition (eruption and loss/wear)

Question 14

What does the legislation around excavating and studying human skeletal remains look like in Canada?

Answer 14

• it is legislated by both federal and provincial laws
• general laws indicate that if an accidental discovery is made, to halt work, protect the remains, and contact the police and RCMP
• Focus on repatriation, follows NAGPRA
• goal is ethical, transparent, respectful, and collaborative practice

Question 15

What are some considerations around handling, preserving and treating human skeletal remains?

Answer 15

• handling with care if excavating, using soft tools to excavate (plastic, wood, soft brushes)
• preservatives can lead to issues with cleaning and contamination during dating, so prefer not to
• in storing, keep the remains in an environment that mimic the burial as much as possible. No moisture, no sun.