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Ethics and the Reburial Controversy

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  20 January 2017

Lynne Goldstein  and
Keith Kintigh
Lynne Goldstein
Affiliation:
Department of Anthropology, University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI 53201
Keith Kintigh
Affiliation:
Department of Anthropology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287-2402
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Abstract

The reburial issue is often characterized as a problem in ethics. This paper points out that ethics are a cultural construct, and, as such, what is sometimes referred to as an ethical conflict is better understood as a conflict in cultural values. With this in mind, we consider mechanisms for the resolution of cultural conflict with particular focus on the nature of negotiation and the necessity of mutual respect. We also consider the ethics of archaeology as they pertain to reburial negotiations. Public education is rejected as a panacea for these problems. We conclude that archaeology must change the way it does business, and we present a prescription for such change.

Résumé

Résumé

La cuestión del re-enterramiento de restos arqueológicos es frecuentemente considerada un problema ético. Este artículo señala el hecho de que un conflicto ético se comprende mejor si se lo considera un conflicto de valores culturales. Con ésto en mente, aquí consideramos algunos mecanismos para la resolución del conflicto cultural y particularmente enfocamos en la naturaleza de la negociacion y la necesidad del respeto mutuo. También consideramos las cuestiones éticas de la arqueología en relación con las negociaciones de re-enterramiento. Rechazamos el uso de la educación pública como panacea para estos problemas. Concluímos que se debe cambiar la manera de negociar en la arqueología, y presentamos una prescripción para este cambio.

Type
Forum
Information
American Antiquity , Volume 55 , Issue 3 , July 1990 , pp. 585 - 591
Copyright
Copyright © The Society for American Archaeology 1990 

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References

References Cited

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