Human bones, archaeology and interdisciplinary research in France: From excavation to conservation for research

Abstract

Archaeological excavations often dig up human bones remains, in cemetery and necropolis or in other contexts. Nevertheless, their excavation and conservation are challenging with regard first to their nature that we share and second to other remains, in particular animal bones. Human remains cannot be treated only in terms of “archaeological objects”, and must be treated singularly, respecting their status. The aim of this paper is to describe how we deal with in France and to provide an update on the place and role of archaeological human bones, as well as their consideration and percentage in the studies and conservation. To go further, it is based on the example of the situation in Alsace and particularly on the creation of a Conservation and study center in Alsace since 2016, which sheds new light on these issues. If the legal status of archaeological bones remains is not completely clarified, a specific kind of conservation combining preservation and scientific research has been developed in regard with their nature. A compromise was found and will ensure respectful treatment of the singular status of human bones as well as allowing their study.