Ethical Issues

Now we’ve established the criteria for cannibalism in the archaeological record. But what are the moral implications of interpreting finds as cannibalism? The word “cannibal” has many connotations behind it, and its use has a history that should be considered when evaluating archaeological evidence. Cannibalism has not always been an accusation based directly on evidence for people consuming others’ flesh, but as a symbol that they are barbaric, primitive or distant from the accusing group. By accusing a people of the ultimate social taboo, colonizers were able to make a justification for their colonization—whether or not these people were actually practicing cannibalism. These accusations draw a sharp boundary between “us” and “them”, portraying the accused as “uncivilized” (Goldman:2012). When archaeologists claim that Anasazi people practiced cannibalism, it can be seen as just another instance in this continuing history of colonialism.

Responses in the Archaeological Community

Not all archaeologists find arguments for cannibalism in the Southwest convincing. In their response to a paper claiming archaeological evidence for cannibalism, Dongoske et al. point out some of the guess-work involved in these cases. The human bones that were found resembled animal bones used for food, which lead researchers to argue the human bones were from individuals who had been consumed as well. In the response, Dongoske et al. explain that there are multiple possible explanations for the breakage pattern of the bones (2000:180). While the evidence may support the argument, it does not necessarily confirm it. It is possible to claim that the historical context of accusations of cannibalism is still at play, influencing the conclusions to which archaeologists jump.

Views of Descendent Communities

Another ethical concern is the views of descendent communities, particularly the Hopi. In her book Anti-Indianism in Modern America, Elizabeth Cook-Lynn explains why the claim that Anasazi people practiced cannibalism is so offensive. Cook-Lynn argues that Turner’s thesis is a way to explain what happened to the Anasazi; they disappeared because they ate each other. The Hopi, among many others, believe the Anasazi were their ancestors; they did not disappear but became the Hopi (2001:105-106). Cook-Lynn expresses her skepticism that archaeologists could know better than the people whose ancestors they are studying.

Cook-Lynn also questions scientists’ authority to interpret Indian history, as well as scientific knowledge itself: “The problem with this kind of scholarship," is that it is "based mostly on supposition and even on what they call scientific principle of Occam’s razor, i.e., the simplest explanation fitting the facts is the right one…” (2001:108). She sees scientific inquiry concerning native peoples as a direct challenge to the authority of oral traditions. Science seems to diminish “native knowledge” as untrue attempts to answer questions of origin (2001:109). Cook-Lynn implies that these issues are not scientists’ concerns and that these are matters with which the people should be concerned.

These ethical issues are important to consider as archaeology is conducted and interpretations are made. The historical context of “cannibals” is important to understand before one uses that term. For descendents of the Anasazi, these bones are not just artifacts to be studied: they are the bones of their ancestors. The “knowledge” archaeologists may gain needs to be weighed against the consequences it may have in affected communities. While it may seem acceptable to be open to many possibilities, archaeologists need to consider the ethical implications of their actions.

Bibliography:
Cook-Lynn, Elizabeth. Anti-Indianism in Modern America: A Voice from Tatekeya's Earth. University of Illinois Press, 2001.

Dongoske, Kurt E., Debra L. Martin, T.J. Ferguson. "Critique of the Claim of Cannibalism at Cowboy Wash". American Antiquity, Vol. 65 No. 2, April 2000.

Goldman, Laurence R. "Cannibalism". Encyclopedia of Death and Dying. http://www.deathreference.com/Bl-Ce/Cannibalism.html. 2012.

Image: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Cannibals.23232.jpg