We just need a few milligrams....

Summary

Destructive analyses of human remains, i.e. analyses dependent on small biological samples from human, archaeologically found, bone or teeth, have yielded important new data and added to knowledge about our past. Yet, more studies generate even more studies, and the demand is clearly rising for more samples made available. This is especially the case for those collections, which are very unique in terms of geography (Greenland) or time period (Danish mesolithic). At the same time, these unique collections also represent a limited resource; it is doubtful how many more Greenlandic or Danish Mesolithic skeletons will be found in the future.

Aside serval major studies on Danish prehistory, we have also undertaken exploratory "proof-on-concept and feasibility" studies, and methodological studies, comparing different sampling techniques. The presentation will focus on sampling techniques over the last twenty years, describe the rising curatorial awareness of the implications of sampling, including ethical considerations, as well as the results of our methodological studies.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Society for American Archaeology 83rd Annual Meeting, Washington, DC (2018)

Keywords

Record Identifiers

Abstract Id(s): 20063