Human Remains, Humanizing Language, and Bioarchaeological Reports

Abstract

The “language of compliance” used in bioarchaeological reports has traditionally dehumanized the people represented by human remains. Because of this dehumanizing language, Indigenous communities prompted the development of “respectful terminology” to be used by bioarchaeologists when referencing the remains of their ancestors. While this terminology is not yet widely used, it is reflective of a greater ethical obligation within bioarchaeology to dignify and respect all human remains. This essay, then, argues for the broad adoption of respectful terminology, or “humanizing language,” in bioarchaeological reports. Through an exploration of the humanistic and scientific tension surrounding human remains, I frame humanizing language as a justice tool that advocates for people of the past while reorienting bioarchaeology to its humanity.