Figured I should do a little post on Ethics, since it's a fairly big subject in archaeology, and I need a couple more posts to finish off the semester with.
     Archaeology can be a very controversial subject in a variety of ways, especially when it comes to actually handling the dead. This matter can get political extremely fast, especially in regards to the subject of first nations repatriation. I understand the need for a regulated system of rights and ancestral repatriation, as is represented by the NAGPRA practices in the states. However, I really believe, however much more time consuming it may be, a "case-by-case" system is far more valuable, particularly if the case is an important one. An example that comes to mind where significant and crucial information may have been lost if the basic guidelines of NAGPRA had been followed: Kennewick Man.
 In case you haven't heard of it, my best friend Wikipedia does a great job of introducing you to the subject.


I understand how spirituality is an essential part to the lives of first nations, and that it should be treated with the utmost respect by others, especially scientists studying said first nations. However, in a case such as this, where the origins of the individual are completely unknown, and the remains ancient, with little chance that it has a clear relation to any living relative, studies MUST be conducted to learn more. If the indigenous group fighting for the ownership of Kennewick man had won in court, what would have happened? Much of the critical prehistory of North America may still remain unknown. I can't imagine how frustrating it must be in some cases to study a ground breaking find, and then have it taken away, losing that information (possibly forever) due to legal technicalities.

With that being said, it is still important to respect the rights of those occupying the lands before us, which is why a case-by-case approach is the best way to go. These things are so circumstantial, it really depends on the context of each individual case on which the right path to take is.

Here's a photo of our kennewick man, looking nothing like any contemporary first nations individual from North America. If the facial reconstructions are accurate, I'd say that the enterprise accidentally flew into a black hole.