A solution for the permanent storage of historical skeletal remains for research purposes: A South Australian precedent that keeps scientists and the church community happy
Date
2004
Authors
Anson, T.
Henneberg, M.
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Advisors
Journal Title
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Volume Title
Type:
Journal article
Citation
Australian Archaeology, 2004; 58(6):15-18
Statement of Responsibility
Tim J. Anson and Maciej Henneberg
Conference Name
Abstract
Archaeological excavations in the mid-19th century cemetery of the Anglican Church of St. Mary's in Adelaide resulted in the recovery of 70 human skeletons. Following a period of time for osteological analyses. the remains were to be re-interred in the church cemetery. Osteological examinations revealed good preservation and a variety of pathologies. The re-burial of collections such as this effectively means that they are permanently lost to science. As a consequence efforts were made by the researchers to avoid the loss of the collection and negotiations with the Church led to the creation of a storage facility in the grounds of the Church. A 13,640-litre concrete rainwater tank was buried and modified internally to accommodate the skeletal collection. This approach was found to be both cost effective and ethically acceptable to all parties involved