Treatment of Human Remains Flashcards
Where were bog bodies found and when?
Northern Europe, first recorded discovery in 18th century.
What are some reasons why bodies came to be in the bogs?
Accidental death, burial, murder and ritual sacrifice.
How are bog bodies named?
After the geographical location they are found. E.g Tollund Man.
Suggest examples of ethical considerations around human remains.
Scientists are beggining to consider reburying bodies in thier place of death out of respect for religious and cultural purposes. Also teaching new scientists and students how to care correctly for them, such as wearing protective clothing and keeping contaminents like food away from remians. Finally, avoidnace of pictures of remains on social media.
How does peat preserve a “bog body”?
Typical peat bogs have little to no oxygen for chemical processes of decay to take place.
There a two layers in a bog: a thin watery top layer and a thick layer of peat. The peat therefore remains undisturbed by environment aiding preservation.
Chemical content of bogs is also vital to preservation. (Sphagan: prevents destructive bacteria from operating.)
What techniques are used to date human remains?
DNA testing, fluorine dating, radiocarbon dating, stratigraphy, etc.
What advancements in tech has allowed further analysis of remains?
More is known today then when than when bod bodies were first studied in the 1950s, DNA testing has revealed new information. E.g Windeby Girl is actually a 16 year old boy.
With advancements in strontium isotope tracing technology, it is now possible to detect these isotopes in human hair/skin , indicating where some bog people had lived in the last few years of their lives.
Name three famous well preserved human remains.
- Otzi the Iceman
- Tollund Man
- Windeby I
What are some ethical issues around human remains?
Displayment in museums/scientific analysis in labs away from place of death which may be disrespectful to some religious and cultures.
Contamination with bacteria on remains due to poor handling and care.
Destruction of important evidence due to stealing, e.g Otzi the Iceman’s tools being stolen by locals/tourists.
Issues around ownership of remains.
