Remains

This work has come about as a result of my experiences excavating human skeletal remains as an archaeologist.

Over thousands of years people have been burying human remains. It is therefore inevitable that on occasion archaeologists are going to encounter them. They uncover, record and remove these remains according to an established set of science- based methods that allow the archaeologist to maintain a certain distance and detachment from the subject. It is unavoidable though, when exhuming a skeleton or cremation, not to contemplate the person’s life and death, as well as to consider one’s own mortality.

When I worked on this material I found the experience a disturbing one, which is why I decided to undertake this project.

My approach has been to present an insider’s view of the subject, to show that the archaeological and forensic nature of the work does not displace a consideration for the people who’s remains are excavated. It is through these methods and subsequent studies that the care and respect that is due to our ancestors is maintained, whether their deaths are in tragic circumstances or through natural causes

Ph: 00353(0)86 3614160

email: johnsam@o2.ie