Conclusion/Discussion

There is a lot of controversy that surrounds archaeologists and anthropologists regarding what they do and research in their respective fields. With numerous cultures, interests, values and beliefs, comes an infinite number of opposing opinions and perspectives on what archaeologists and anthropologists should and should not be allowed to do. Some believe that it is disrespectful to excavate ancient graves; others believe that it is okay as it is in the name of science. There are even laws surrounding these issues, making sure that the indigenous people get the choice. There are also opinions surrounding the matter of whether studying the past is useful. There are also those who believe that archaeology, and in particular the study of human remains is not useful or relevant to society today. Others believe it has affected society in different ways over time; there are some relatively unsavoury parts of the past which was used to justify things like eugenics, national and colonial agendas which generally had a negative effect on indigenous groups. Today though it adds a temporal depth (archaeology) about the human experience over time and where we came from, what has or hasn’t worked in the past. There have been a few case studies done, warning us to respect the earth and not become too reliant on a particular source otherwise we may become extinct like other spices of humans before us. So why do we even study human remains in the first place? Because of the people who want to learn about the human experience and grasp an understanding of who we are and where we come from. And to learn from our ancestors before us the things that have and haven't worked.