Chapter 18: Bioarchaeology and Forensic Anthropology

Bioarchaeologsts A biological anthropologist who uses human osteology to explore the biological component of the archaeological record. Benefits?

Important Terms Datum Point: a permanent, fixed point relative to which the location of items of interest are recorded during archaeological mapping and excavation. Chain of Custody: In forensic cases, the detailed notes that establish what was collected at the scene, the whereabouts of these remains, and the access to them after retrieval from the scene. Importance of good methods!

Importance of Context

The Biological Profile

Let’s look at sex

What else can be found in the bones? Height and weight Injury and disease Postmortem trauma

Anomalies

DNA http://ldna.ancestry.com/

Identification and Forensic Anthropology Time Since Death Positive IDs Facial Reconstruction

Bioarchaeology and Population Change Mortuary Archaeology Health and Disease Activity Patterns

Mass Disasters, War Crimes, and Human Rights