The generation of knowledge using archaeological data is central to our understanding of the human past. The Centre for Archaeology, Technology, and History at the University of St Andrews has responsibility for a number of collections of archaeological (non-contemporary) human skeletal remains. Working with human skeletons is a privilege, as we are handling the remains of once-living human beings. The treatment of human remains thus warrants ethical considerations beyond those for other classes of archaeological material.

 

The Centre has a strict policy that ensures all human remains in the lab have clear provenance and known history of excavation. This ensures that assemblages are acquired ethically and only for research purposes. The Centre does not work with any unprovenanced remains or remains that are acquired through colonial or imperial activity.

 

At the core of our lab ethos is our commitment to treating the human remains in our care with respect and dignity. All the human remains in our care are clearly provenanced from known European contexts. Proper legal agreements are in place with the churches, museums, and archaeologists ultimately responsible for them. Any sampling and analysis conducted is in line with industry standard protocols and addresses defined research questions. We explicitly prohibit the sharing of images of human remains on any personal social media platforms. 

 

These agreements include plans for eventual reburial under proper authority and in a sensitive and respectful manner. 

 

Given the importance of human remains as a source of information about the historical past, we work toward the long-term conservation of the osteoarcheological record. We are committed to public education and engagement, and we actively promote understanding of the value of the scientific study of premodern human remains through education and outreach. This exhibit is one such venue for outreach.