One of the parts of my work that is difficult to explain is training people to tell the difference between human and non-human bone. So every two years or so, the bioarchaeologists and zooarchaeologist at the Arizona State Museum are invited to do a 2 hour training. I happen to be the zooarch at the museum for the time being, and it was an honor for me to take part. So I packed up a coyote, dog, rabbit, quail, and javelina skeletons as well as some frequently confused fragments, and we headed to the San Xavier District Council Chambers. Above is a picture of one of the dogs we brought in its plastic conservation tent.
If you’d like to know more about telling the difference between human and non-human bone, check out ASM’s site.
If you’d like to know more about NAGPRA, check out the Park Service’s site.
Nicole M. Mathwich, Ph.D. 