In Archaeology the past few weeks, we have been talking about repatriation. This involves museums and university giving American Indians (yes, this is the new politically correct term) their artifacts back to curate as they see fit, this could include reburial.
The beginnings of anthropology and archaeology are plagued with a bad reputation from their beginnings. In the 19th century, it was common place to desecrate American Indian burials for skull collections. Clearly they would not enjoy their burials being desecrated.
Because of these beginning trials during the skull wars (a term that has recently been coined), relations between American Indians and anthropologists have continued to be clouded.
Through repatriation, relations would (in theory) get better and the American Indians might begin to see that the intent had been to save their history, not destroy it. This, in addition to the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), would make the jobs of future archaeologists and anthropologists.
It is just an issue I thought I might bring to your attention. It is very interesting and the arguments are all very convincing. I can’t decide which side I agree with. What do you think?
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