The Ethical Dilemma Facing Conservation: Care and Treatment of Human Skeletal Remains and Mortuary Objects

McGowan, Gary S.; LaRoche, Cheryl Janifer

doi:10.2307/3179991

Cited by 5 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 0 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…By giving some forethought to the handling of human skeletal remains, researchers can avoid most of the problems documented here. These suggestions are based on bone-care guidelines provided by conservators from museums and university laboratories (Antoine and Taylor 2014; Cassman and Odegaard 2004; Johnson 1994; McGowan and LaRoche 1996; Wills et al 2014)…”

Section: Recommendationsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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

Lee

2019

Adv. archaeol. pract.

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

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.

show abstract

Section: Recommendationsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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

Lee

2019

Adv. archaeol. pract.

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…With regard to human remains, the perspectives of osteological and bioanthropological specialists, archaeologists, and conservators, as well as descendant and/or deeply invested local communities, can all significantly shape specific choices about whether and how they are uncovered during archaeological excavations and about subsequent handling and curation (Cassman and Odegaard 2004, 2007; Cassman et al 2007; McGowan and LaRoche 1996; Williams 2001). Within the conservation profession, which has long articulated the importance of clear treatment plans and the thoughtful choice of methods to achieve them, these collaborations have sharpened scrutiny of the potential impact of any conservation intervention.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Field Conservation of Skeletal Remains: Stabilization Treatment Techniques and Implications for Future Analysis

Beaubien

2019

Adv. archaeol. pract.

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

The information potential of human skeletal remains—as for any excavated material—is impacted by the conditions of archaeological burial, and the environments and actions experienced during subsequent excavation, laboratory processing, study, and storage. A conservation approach emphasizes the mitigation of threats to material stability and integrity, which for excavated collections are often most critical at the point of archaeological exposure and recovery. Conservation techniques involving application of modern synthetic materials for stabilizing skeletal remains in the field are discussed, using case examples primarily from terrestrial archaeological projects in Mesoamerica. The potential effects of the use of various conservation materials on results of biomolecular instrumental analysis are included.

show abstract

Collection Care and Management of Human Remains

Redfern

Bekvalac

2017

Taphonomy of Human Remains: Forensic Analysis of the Dead and the Depositional Environment

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

The Ethical Dilemma Facing Conservation: Care and Treatment of Human Skeletal Remains and Mortuary Objects

Cited by 5 publications

References 0 publications

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

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

Field Conservation of Skeletal Remains: Stabilization Treatment Techniques and Implications for Future Analysis

Collection Care and Management of Human Remains

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About