Ethical Approaches to Human Remains

Kirsty Squires is a Senior Lecturer in Forensic Anthropology and MSc Forensic Science award leader at Staffordshire University. Kirsty’s primary research interests lie in the analysis and interpretation of burned skeletal remains from archaeological and forensic contexts, early medieval funerary archaeology, the archaeology of childhood, and ethical considerations within osteoarchaeology and forensic anthropology. She has over 10 years of experience in the excavation and analysis of human skeletal remains. Kirsty is the Outreach Officer for the Society for the Study of Childhood in the Past and a Research Associate of the Observatory for the Mummified Heritage of Sicily, Santa Lucia del Mela. David Errickson is a Lecturer in Forensic Archaeology and Anthropology at Cranfield Forensic Institute, Cranfield University, UK. David has a research focus on 3D technology and its use in quantitative analysis, learning, and teaching. David has a passion for ethical discussion and is a co-creator of the ethical forum on digital osteology; a discussion group on ethical considerations with regards to human remains. Likewise, David has co-edited the new British Association for Biological Anthropology and Osteoarchaeology ethical guidance on the use of 2D and 3D images pertaining to human remains. Finally, David has co-authored a chapter with Dr. Nicholas Márquez-Grant on ethical considerations with regards to 3D imaging. Nicholas Márquez-Grant is a Senior Lecturer and the MSc Course Director in Forensic Archaeology and Anthropology at Cranfield Forensic Institute, Cranfield University, UK. He is also a Research Affiliate at the School of Anthropology and Museum Ethnography, University of Oxford, UK. He has over 20 years of experience in the excavation and analysis of human remains from a variety of archaeological contexts and is increasingly working on ethical aspects in bioarchaeology and forensic anthropology. As aforensic practitioner, he has acted in the UK as an expert witness in Forensic Anthropology and Archaeology.

“The highlight of this book is that each chapter offers a unique perspective on a specific subject about human remains. … The volume presents a current perspective on ethical challenges faced by specialists and practitioners … . The various topic raised, and the recommendations provided by the authors are expected to be significant in improving practices. Ultimately, this manuscript serves as a reminder for anthropologists and other practitioners to not neglect their ethical responsibility towards human remains and descendant communities.” (Yassmine Ghalem, anthrobookforum.americananthro.org, April 4, 2022)

• Philosophical approaches to the ethics of bioarchaeology.- The scientific value of human remains.- History and ethics of bioarchaeology.- Excavation of human remains.- Analysis of human remains.- Curation of human remains.- Repatriation of human remains.- Displaying the dead.- Religions and ethics.- Funerary aspects of ethics.- Imaging techniques and the rise of social media.- Ethics in Forensic Anthropology.- Case Studies.- Closing Remarks and Future Directions and Challenges.