ABSTRACT
Bioarchaeology is the interpretive framework by which human remains and associated artifacts and facilities are studied in their cultural context. The field evolved from the measurement and description of crania used to develop classifications of race and intelligence, eventually developing a biocultural approach that better incorporated anthropological questions into the analysis of mortuary practices (treatment of the body) and commemorative behaviors (bereavement and mourning). Ethical issues in the study of human remains are complex and involve the research, the wishes of the descendants, and the social contracts with the dead themselves. These conflicting interests have resulted in most countries developing laws and procedures to deal with these issues.
