Research Freedom and Access to Knowledge in Archaeological Research on Human Remains: Legal and Extra-Legal Perspectives

What is it about?

Present-day bioarchaeology of human remains has a complex, normative foundations. This article first introduces the manifold non-scientific significance of human remains and mortuary sites and the essentials of bioarchaeological research as well. It subsequently examines the concept of research freedom in the context of international and domestic regulations. Each state regulates bioarchaeological research distinctly. The article outlines a diplomatic pathway for undertaking research abroad. We then examine (de)colonial, indigenous, religious, and political contexts in which extra-legal regulations on the study of human remains also gain validity. This leads to a normative complexity and pluralism.

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Why is it important?

Bioarchaeological research can be normatively complex and overwhelming for practicioners – especially in post-colonial, Indigenous and political contexts!

Perspectives