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Best Practices: Excavation Guidelines and Taphonomic Considerations

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Bioarchaeology

Part of the book series: Manuals in Archaeological Method, Theory and Technique ((MATT))

Abstract

Bioarchaeologists must have training and develop expertise in excavation of human remains. This includes understanding as much as possible the environmental, biological, and cultural factors that affect the remains from around the time of death through to recovery and analysis. Ideally, after this long and complex process, the remains are properly curated in a repository, or are reinterred. The lack of detailed taphonomical processes can lead to erroneous conclusions. Not knowing the mortuary context can forever prohibit a full understanding of human remains. Not being able to distinguish culturally modified human remains from field or lab taphonomy will inhibit the ability to make accurate interpretations. Bioarchaeologists can act in many different roles (as consultant, collaborator, or direction), but all of these depend on sound training in excavation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Anthropology, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV, USA

    Debra L. Martin & Ryan P. Harrod

  2. Department of Anthropology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA

    Ventura R. Pérez

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  1. Debra L. Martin
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  2. Ryan P. Harrod
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Martin, D.L., Harrod, R.P., Pérez, V.R. (2013). Best Practices: Excavation Guidelines and Taphonomic Considerations. In: Bioarchaeology. Manuals in Archaeological Method, Theory and Technique. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-6378-8_4

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