Reconstructing and Conserving the Past: Ethical Issues

Question 1

What factors are considered to determine what is right and wrong?

Answer 1

We can only decide the best option on a case-by-case basis.
(I know, it’s a trick question! We feel deceived)

Question 2

Gunther von Hagen

Answer 2

A Geman anatomist who invented the technique of preserving biological tissue through plastination.

Question 3

Cabinets of Curiosity

5

Answer 3

• Human remains
• Animal remains
• Taxidermy
• Medical anomalies
• Culturally significant objects

Question 4

Politicising of Archaeology

Answer 4

The ethical principles referred to by modern archaeologists in regards to human remains are recorded in worldwide charters due to the more politicised nature of the matter.

Question 5

Reasons for Re-Evalutation of Human Remains

Answer 5

Through the concerns of indigenous peoples such as the American Indians and Australian Aboriginals for whom it is taboo to disturb the dead, causing the reevauluation of the tratment of human remains.

Due to constantly changing values, every generation of archaeologists regard the techniques of their predecessors to be crude and insensitive.

Question 6

Insensitivity of Early Excavators

Answer 6

• Often destroyed in the rush to discover precious finds
• Taken as souvenirs
• Edward Bulwer-Lytton, an English writer, kept a Pompeiian skull on his desk for inspiration
• Pompeiian watercolourists record the deliberate positioning of skeletons to impress visitors with its grislyness
• Disarticulated bones were piled carelessly in bathhouses
• Meseums kepts them in dark, dusty basements for long periods of time while wrapped in newspaper

Question 7

Importance of the Study of Human Remains

Answer 7

Biological and cultural aspects of all ethnic and socio-economic groups:

• Ancient diets
• Disease pathologies
• Genetic patterns
• Environmental adaptations

Question 8

Concerns for Sacred and Cultural Beliefs

Answer 8

Modern archaeologists, conservators and curators must pay regard to the sacred, spiritual and metaphysical beliefs of the cultures with which they come in contact

Question 9

Ethical Questions

Answer 9

• Should bones be regarded solely as artefacts?
• Should the age of remains impact of view of them?
• Should archaeologists have the freedom to pursue knowledge and scientific enquiry unrestricted?
• Who should have custodianship over human remains?
• What is the most appropriate way to store human remains?

Question 10

Bones of Great Antiquity (pre-1000)

To Excavate or Not to Excavate Human Remains

Answer 10

If they have no demonstrations with the present, they can be exhumed for study and/or curated for long-term examination.

They must continue to be treated professionally and with respect.

Question 11

Scientists VS Custodians

Answer 11

The interests of scientists do not necessarily overide the wishes of custodians (living relatives, direct descendants, cultural descendants etc.), but if the ethnic connection has been lost over time, custody favours the scientist over a cultural group.

Question 12

Treatments on Bone

Answer 12

Many question whether it is ethical to jeopardise the physical characteristics of bone for potential future analysis through methods such as adhering the bones.

Question 13

Appropriate Storage Procedures for Human Remains

Answer 13

Storage should conform to sound conservation practices which protect the remains against physical deterioration, such as being:

• Wrapped in acid-free paper
• Placed in protective containers with environment controls
• Well-guarded against theft or malicious use

These all ensure that the remains stay intact for future researchers to check past interpretations and conduct further research when new techniques become available

Question 14

Display of Human Remains

Answer 14

Every effort must be made to avoid causing harm or offence, including:

• Not displaying any ethnic identification that may be considered demeaning
• Taking into account the sensitivites of certain religious groups and children
• Featuring clear notices at entrances to rooms displaying human remains to provide adequate warning
• Displaying only for the purpose of furthuring the public’s understanding of past and present activities of archaeologists

Question 15

Casts in Pompeii

Answer 15

Garden of Fugitives (13)
Stabian baths (2)
Villa of Mysteries (2)
Macellum (2)
Forum Olitorium (6)

Others are in houses only occassionally opened to the public (e.g. Cryptoporticus)

All casts were originally displayed in the Pompeiian Museum before it was closed in 1975 because of thieves looting jewellery.
Some are now safely and sensitively displayed in the Naples Museum, along with a few intact skeletons from Herculaneum.