Museum archaeology in the United States: refocusing research questions and updating methodologies alongside NAGPRA

Summary

Collections in museums are components of refocusing and revising archaeological interpretation in the United States alongside the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act. Review of collections as prompted by NAGPRA is improving documentation and interpretation of those collections subject to the Act and beyond, across sites and regions. Previously incomplete archaeological contexts may be refined and these bring potential for updated research questions and methodologies. A selected summary of recent projects highlights the benefits of improved collections documentation, consultation involving multiple perspectives on collections and research questions, and the potential for shaping methodological advances and analytical techniques toward updated research questions. Each of these benefits enhances the public relevance of archaeological research and education.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Society for American Archaeology 81st Annual Meeting, Orlando, FL (2016)   •
• NAGPRA Applied: Stories from the Field on its 25th Anniversary

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