Ethical+Issues+-+Study+and+Display+of+Human+Remains

=Ethical Issues: Study and Display of Human Remains =

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    Collecting, studying and displaying human remains, often without consent, has been commonly practiced in western society. Studies have provided insight into our ancient ancestors; their height and appearance, what kind of work they did, and their life expectancy. However, debate will always remain concerning the ethics of displaying human remains.


 * It is felt by some that the plaster casts originally made by Fiorelli to be more acceptable, as they are only impressions. ** **Do you agree? **

The issue of respect for the dead, and their descendants, is a culturally sensitive one. During the latter half of the 20th century, various communities around the world advocated to have ancestral remains returned for reburial. For instance, this is particularly important to indigenous Australians.

 How appropriate is it to display someone at the moment of their death? For example whilst the victims of Mount St Helens were autopsied to establish cause of death we would not expect to see remains on display. Is Pompeii any different? **Both the __Vermillion Accord__ and the __Tamaki Makau-Rau Accord__ recognise the display of human remains and sacred objects as a sensitive issue. ** **Considerations...** Is it disrespectful to display human remains at Pompeii and Herculaneum, or in a museum? Is it less disrespectful to have the casts of the human victims on display? Should the skeletons be given a proper burial? What sort of burial; Christian etc? Where would they be buried? Are they being treated as nothing more than curiosities? Is it no longer an issue because they have been dead for such a long time? Should the casts and skeletons of animals be on display? Should bones be seen solely as artefacts that provide valuable information? What is the most appropriate way to store and display human remains? Should archaeologists have the freedom to pursue scientific enquiry without political and legal constraints?  Is holographic display of human remains a better option?  Who should have custodianship over human remains?

Task 4 - Due Monday 26th February 2012
**Discuss the ethical issues and considerations related to the study and display of human remains.** ** (1000 words). Please submit electronically. **
 * Outcomes **

H 3.1 locate, select and organise relevant information from a variety of sources H 3.3 analyse and evaluate sources for their usefulness and reliability H 3.4 explain and evaluate differing perspectives and interpretations of the past H 3.5 analyse issues relating to ownership and custodianship of the past H 3.6 plan and present the findings of historical investigations, analysing and synthesising information from a range of sources H 4.1 use historical terms and concepts appropriately H 4.2 communicate a knowledge and understanding of historical features and issues using appropriate oral and written forms.


 * Students learn to: **


 * comprehend and analyse a range of archaeological and written sources relevant to the core study of the cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum
 * discuss relevant issues of conservation and reconstruction; custodianship of the sites and the display of human remains
 * present the findings of investigations of key features or issues relevant to the study of Pompeii and Herculaneum
 * communicate effectively in oral and written forms to describe and analyse features and issues of the study.

Resources
1. Your Class notes 2. Antiquity 2 3rd Ed. p. 65-66 <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; font-size: 150%;">3. Cameron & Lawless p. 105-109 <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; font-size: 150%;">4 Zarmatti p 126-128 <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 150%;">[|Tamaki Makau-rau Accord]

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 150%;"> Companion wiki Ethical Issues

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 150%;">[|Vermilion Accord]

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 150%;">See also files in 'Work to Do' folder in T:Drive <span style="display: block; font-family: georgia,serif; font-size: 120%; text-align: justify;">

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