Not a limitless resource: ethics and guidelines for destructive sampling of archaeofaunal remains. Issue 10 (2nd October 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pálsdóttir, Albína Hulda; Bläuer, Auli; Rannamäe, Eve; Boessenkool, Sanne; Hallsson, Jón Hallsteinn
• Is Part Of: Royal Society open science. Volume 6:Issue 10(2019)
• Publication Date: 2019-10-02
• Subjects: zooarchaeology -- animal bones -- bioarchaeology -- ancient DNA -- museum -- petrous bone; Science -- Periodicals; 500
• DOI: 10.1098/rsos.191059
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2054-5703

Abstract

Abstract : With the advent of ancient DNA, as well as other methods such as isotope analysis, destructive sampling of archaeofaunal remains has increased much faster than the effort to collect and curate them. While there has been considerable discussion regarding the ethics of destructive sampling and analysis of human remains, this dialogue has not extended to archaeofaunal material. Here we address this gap and discuss the ethical challenges surrounding destructive sampling of materials from archaeofaunal collections. We suggest ways of mitigating the negative aspects of destructive sampling and present step-by-step guidelines aimed at relevant stakeholders, including scientists, holding institutions and scientific journals. Our suggestions are in most cases easily implemented without significant increases in project costs, but with clear long-term benefits in the preservation and use of zooarchaeological material.