David A. Poirier - Böcker

In recent years, federal and state governments have recognized their responsibility for the protection of unmarked ancient burial grounds that may be threatened by modern land use activities and natural disasters. The editors have compiled case studies that reflect effective answers to removal, analysis, and reburial of human remains by archaeologists. Each study provides fascinating research from the excavation of historic cemeteries, which has added considerable knowledge to our understanding of factors relating to health, disease, and trauma, and the social histories of the diverse human communities occupying North America during the last three centuries. The volume also represents an important resource guide for archaeologists, historians, and other researchers concerning the sensitive treatment of the nation's historic burying grounds and cemeteries exposed by 20th century changes to the landscape.The Introduction highlights recent examples of the way osteological analysis of burials contributes to our knowledge of past histories. Part I examines several socially disenfranchised groups that are under-represented in historic records. These analyses demonstrate how archaeological and anthropological research can contribute to a better understanding of cultural conditions and life ways of important social groups. Part II consists of articles that illustrate where past and recent traumas and desecration have affected human burials. Part III represents the only technical section, providing a resource guide on professional standards in conducting documentary research as well as fieldwork in the location and excavation of historic burials.

Archaeological sites often seem to be idyllic, even romantic, places where scientists recover and analyze fascinating data that can inform us of past times and the past lives of our recent historical and ancient prehistoric human forebears. Too often, however, unrecognized dangers lie within: bacterial and viral infections hidden in the soil, concealed in the animals that roam through our sites, or even lying in wait in organic remains we excavate; toxic substances produced by the historical technologies we study and that continue to poison the sites where people once worked; the bodies of people who died of historical scourges that once afflicted humanity and whose excavated mortal remains may still harbor the pathogens that killed them, dormant and lying in wait for an unsuspecting and largely no-longer immune modern population. It's enough to make an archaeologist swear off fieldwork!The truth is, however, that archaeologists need to be alerted to the dangers present in fieldwork and advised of the reasonable precautions that should be taken to insure the safest possible working environment. Dangerous Places brings together an enormous body of information regarding the threats that archaeologists face every day, and the best ways of behaving proactively to avoid or mitigate these threats.