Freethought & Rationalism Archive

Mageth · 08-15-2002, 07:33 AM

I've no doubt that Native Americans in the area will petition the government to do so promptly, citing the American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act.

Being from near there, there isn't a significant Native American presence in that area. The nearest is in East Texas, a couple of hundred miles away (the Alabama-Coushatta tribe).

Babylon Sister · 08-15-2002, 07:59 AM

Quote:

Being from near there, there isn't a significant Native American presence in that area. The nearest is in East Texas, a couple of hundred miles away (the Alabama-Coushatta tribe).

As a federal archeologist involved with Native American consultation on nearly all aspects of my job, I doubt seriously whether proximity makes any difference at all.

This is a pan-indian identity concern.

[ August 15, 2002: Message edited by: Babylon Sister ]

[ August 15, 2002: Message edited by: Babylon Sister ]

Mageth · 08-15-2002, 08:08 AM

Babylon Sister:

You're probably right, and I started to mention that in my post. I was merely pointing out that there isn't a significant NA presence in the area.

However, the Kennewick Man was found in Washington, where there is a significant, and politically active, NA presence. I would guess that if these bones would have been found in that region, action would have already been taken, so perhaps proximity is important.

Richiyaado · 08-15-2002, 08:08 AM

[ August 28, 2002: Message edited by: Richiyaado ]

Mageth · 08-15-2002, 08:11 AM

AFAIK, there are few or no remaining representatives of the tribes from that region.

Mageth · 08-15-2002, 08:30 AM

The Native Americans in the region were Karankawas, who unfortunately were wiped out by the mid-1800's.

<a href="http://www.texasindians.com/karank.htm" target="_blank">Karankawas</a>

[ August 15, 2002: Message edited by: Mageth ]

Richiyaado · 08-15-2002, 09:17 AM

[ August 28, 2002: Message edited by: Richiyaado ]

Mageth · 08-15-2002, 09:39 AM

I don't know if any current tribes claim kinship with the Karankawas. Their history is a bit shrouded in legend. Some think they may have migrated from the Carribean.

<a href="http://www.angelfire.com/tx2/ecc/karankawa.html" target="_blank">Here's</a> a good site on Texas Coastal Tribes.

[ August 15, 2002: Message edited by: Mageth ]

Dr.GH · 08-15-2002, 11:37 AM

The state supported, and imposed religion of "old bone" worship is one of the major reason I have shifted my practise from prehistory to forensics.

At this point, anyone climing the be a Native American can more or less dictate how scientific research can be conducted.

lpetrich · 08-15-2002, 12:58 PM

Why don't they do the decent thing and have the bones put into mausoleums, so they can claim that the bones have been "buried" while remaining accessible for study?

If I had American Indian ancestry, and if I was curious about my ancestors, I would be most interested in studies of remains of whoever was dug up.

It's all well and good to want some respect for one's ancestors, but I don't see how studying their bones is necessarily disrespectful.

08-15-2002, 08:08 AM	#14
Richiyaado Regular Member Join Date: May 2001 Location: New Orleans Posts: 172	[ August 28, 2002: Message edited by: Richiyaado ]</p>

08-15-2002, 08:30 AM	#16
Mageth Contributor Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Deep in the heart of mother-lovin' Texas Posts: 29,689	The Native Americans in the region were Karankawas, who unfortunately were wiped out by the mid-1800's. <a href="http://www.texasindians.com/karank.htm" target="_blank">Karankawas</a> [ August 15, 2002: Message edited by: Mageth ]</p>

08-15-2002, 09:17 AM	#17
Richiyaado Regular Member Join Date: May 2001 Location: New Orleans Posts: 172	[ August 28, 2002: Message edited by: Richiyaado ]</p>

08-15-2002, 09:39 AM	#18
Mageth Contributor Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Deep in the heart of mother-lovin' Texas Posts: 29,689	I don't know if any current tribes claim kinship with the Karankawas. Their history is a bit shrouded in legend. Some think they may have migrated from the Carribean. <a href="http://www.angelfire.com/tx2/ecc/karankawa.html" target="_blank">Here's</a> a good site on Texas Coastal Tribes. [ August 15, 2002: Message edited by: Mageth ]</p>

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08-15-2002, 07:33 AM	#11
Mageth Contributor Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Deep in the heart of mother-lovin' Texas Posts: 29,689	I've no doubt that Native Americans in the area will petition the government to do so promptly, citing the American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act. Being from near there, there isn't a significant Native American presence in that area. The nearest is in East Texas, a couple of hundred miles away (the Alabama-Coushatta tribe).

08-15-2002, 08:11 AM	#15
Mageth Contributor Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Deep in the heart of mother-lovin' Texas Posts: 29,689	AFAIK, there are few or no remaining representatives of the tribes from that region.

08-15-2002, 11:37 AM	#19
Dr.GH Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Dana Point, Ca, USA Posts: 2,115	The state supported, and imposed religion of "old bone" worship is one of the major reason I have shifted my practise from prehistory to forensics. At this point, anyone climing the be a Native American can more or less dictate how scientific research can be conducted.

08-15-2002, 12:58 PM	#20
lpetrich Contributor Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Lebanon, OR, USA Posts: 16,829	Why don't they do the decent thing and have the bones put into mausoleums, so they can claim that the bones have been "buried" while remaining accessible for study? If I had American Indian ancestry, and if I was curious about my ancestors, I would be most interested in studies of remains of whoever was dug up. It's all well and good to want some respect for one's ancestors, but I don't see how studying their bones is necessarily disrespectful.

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