Skeleton Anthropology Paper Topics
Many of the current topics in the area of skeleton anthropology are focused on complex issues that arise when skeleton remains are examined. There are four categories of these issues, each with their own set of research questions, methods and techniques. I will cover them below, with discussion and comments following.
Identification: The first three areas to discuss are identifying the basic skeletal elements of the deceased, determining the gender and the approximate time of death. In terms of identification, I will provide some guidelines on what information to collect, what to include in the reporting and what types of photographs are acceptable. In terms of the human remains themselves, it is important to consider whether the family agrees to display the remains, and whether the next of kin has expressed an interest in keeping the remains. There are also many situations where only a minimal amount of information can be obtained, especially if burial is not arranged or documented properly.