Excavation and Conservation Recommendations in Handling Human Skeletal Remains: Case Studies from Desert Oases, Cave Shelters, and Permafrost in China and Mongolia

Abstract

The systematic excavation, long term storage, inventory, and analysis of complete human skeletal remains is a new concept in East Asia. This study examined four problematic cases where there was a demonstrated need for the implementation of conservation techniques. The first case included several naturally mummified skulls from Xinjiang, Province, China. Salt crystals were found to be solidifying on the outer table. The second case involved four naturally mummified cave burials from southwestern Mongolia. Once removed from the dry environment, they began to decompose again. The two last cases were permafrost burials in northern Mongolia. The skeletons were wrapped and stored in a manner which encouraged mold growth. This study will give recommendations for thorough archaeological recovery, cleaning, packaging for transport, reconstruction, and long-term storage of human skeletal remains.

Considering Conservation of Human Skeletal Remains in Archaeological Contexts

“…Lee's (2019) work in Mongolia and China poses uniquely binary problems with remains from either very dry or very damp environments, including desert oases, cave shelters, and permafrost. She has encountered further issues when it comes to the transportation of remains from the excavation site to the primary laboratory facility.…”

Conservación de restos óseos prehispánicos en el Eje Cafetero, Colombia

“…Debido al grave estado en el que generalmente llegan los huesos que provienen de esta zona del país, en algunos casos se deja el fragmento óseo adherido a la matriz de tierra, pues es el único soporte para mantener su forma original. Ahora bien, si el elemento óseo está en buen estado, los fragmentos son separados, limpiados y colocados sobre papel libre de ácido sin reserva alcalina, el cual resulta adecuado para embalaje y protección de material arqueológico (Lee, 2019;Prevedorou y Buikstra, 2019).…”