16th May 2005, 10:13 AM
The issue in Australian archaeology/anthropology is that you are dealing in the most with other, existing cultures archaeology. Sites and artefacts can still retain signifigant and sacred meaning to a people. Ethics is a major issue in this area and insensitive attitudes can start big problems. My very first paper for Anthropology required me to identify that 'I am Eurocentric because..'.
We also did a large colonial/Victorian burial ground (no IDs on the burials. The council at one stage decided they would eventually cremate the remains. This was vetoed by the archaeologists as cremation was not an option during the period and therefore not the wish of the relatives AT THAT TIME. Aboriginal burials were handed over to the community representatives without study.
We also did a large colonial/Victorian burial ground (no IDs on the burials. The council at one stage decided they would eventually cremate the remains. This was vetoed by the archaeologists as cremation was not an option during the period and therefore not the wish of the relatives AT THAT TIME. Aboriginal burials were handed over to the community representatives without study.