“Tell Them About the Suicide”: a Review of Recent Materials on the Reburial of Prehistoric Native American Skeletons

This article examines 6 documents that represent the conflict between Indians & anthropologists regarding the exhumation & removal of Indian human remains. Anthropologists contend that the skeletons have scientific value & deserve study & retention in laboratories. Indians contend that the dead should not be disturbed, but if they must be, they should be reburied. The author notes that presently Indians are requesting their remains be cremated (which is a form of spiritual suicide in their culture) in order to avoid disruption at a later date. (6 refs) (SC)