Re: Skulls Returning
Lyn Dearborn (dearborn@anchor.esd.sgi.com)
Tue, 4 Jun 91 12:32:30 -0700
As a native person from California, in particular, where anthropological
"grave robbing" has been big news, I have very mixed feelings about
righteously returning ancient skulls to their point of origin. There was
so much heated debate from the Ohlone community (& some quasi-Ohlones),
Stanford's anthropology dept., other native members of the community,
well meaning anglos, about returning these bones to the earth from whence
they came. Not one European decendant raised hell about her ancestors
bones lying in some pioneer museum, or the Smithsonian, Lowe Museum, etc.
Is it because "anglos" care less about their ancestors? Less reverence?
I doubt it. A LOT of sacrifices are made in ALL cultures "in the name of
science". .... Good thing no one has done a check list of what is stashed
at the Vatican! The harm was done was done eons ago, and these were not
just collected as souveniers. A lot a important information was gleaned from th
this grave robbing by overseas institutions as well as our own. One of the
reasons medical science (for example) has advanced as far as it has is because
of information gleaned from the bones of dead people.... and some of the people
who benefit are related to those Native American & other aboriginal groups
the righteous world is now trying so hard to protect. Would these same
people object research done on animals in the same of science ... .probably
not, but these victims of scientific research are still alive ... though not
kicking. It is very popular to be up in arms about bones sitting around in
museums, but these same people don't try to protect the CURRENT legacy to
the same extent the rave on about the past. NO ONE is going to be thrilled
about their supposed ancestors sitting in vaults, but these bones aren't
being treated with disrespect .... they are serving a valuable purpose...
THOUGH I TRULY BELIEVE THERE IS NO NEED TO KEEP SO MANY OF THEM. My
ancestors would probably feel honored to be "teachers to todays scientists".
Those bones may even prove that polution has always been a problem, for
example, by showing mercury problems 1000 years ago. They can show things
that can link the LACK OF OSTEOPOROSIS with the diet eaten at that time,
and how reintroducing indigenous foods can restore bone health. Granted
these are extreme examples of current GOOD that can be derived from
old bones, BUT I can also remember a few years back when someone notice
something different about a skull that had been in a case for a long time
that no one else had ever noticed. This led to totally new ideas about
origin, environment, etc. It was continued probing in ancient areas of the
U.S. that came up with information that cast doubts on the Land Bridge
Theory on there being no humans in North America until they came across
from Mongolia .... but it is difficult to dispell this "one source"
theory because it has been taught for SO LOOONNNNGGG !
No museum needs 300 aboriginal skulls, for sure, and when they have served
there purpose they should be returned to the same place they were taken from.
.... You know they'll be digging us up 1000 years from now ... perhaps after
some nuclear disaster if we don't get our (bleep) together and work to save
each other rather than destroy each other...
I know I'm not expressing a popular opinion of the native community, BUT
in the Bay Area, some of the strongest opposition to "give the bones back
to the Ohlone community" for blessing and reburial came from well respected
old, native families, who felt that to destroy what value could be gained
from a deed done along ago, was worse than the original "crime".
Perhaps there would be fewer objections from indigenous peoples if the students
(usually) working on these anthro/archaeological projects learned a little
about "native" religion & spirituality and showed more caring as they work.
.... even so far as to have an indigineous person do a smudging, perhaps.
I myself smudge all over the place when I'm in places where other people
have lived hundreds of years before because there may be bad karma associated
with their souls having been disturbed. I wouldn't work on a midden for
any amount of time without smudging or silent prayers..... but that is me
and it is an issue that probably no two people feel the same about. Still
and all, the best way for anyone to proceed is with GENUINE CARING and
concern for other people's feeling, no matter how different they be may
... make that MAY BE from your own.
Lyn Dearborn