The Forensic Significance of Identifying the Ritual Use of Human Remains

Abstract

For law enforcement officials, encountering a ritual scene involving the use of human skeletal remains may lead to the incorrect assumption that the bones belong to the victim of a homicide. Due to the presence of human bones, a forensic anthropologist may be called to the scene to analyze and determine their significance. However, most law enforcement agencies and many forensic anthropologists may not recognize the additional ritual artifacts, nor their significance or symbolism. The focus of this thesis is to explore the forensic significance of the use of human skeletal remains in religious rituals. Included are the rituals of the Afro-Caribbean religions of Santeria, Palo, and Vodun. Recognition of associated ritual artifacts and taphonomic modifications of human skeletal remains allows for correct interpretation of these ritual scenes, providing law enforcement officials with the necessary tools to conduct proper scene investigation and analysis.

Notes

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Thesis Completion

2006

Degree

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

College

College of Sciences

Degree Program

Anthropology

Subjects

Dissertations, Academic -- Sciences; Sciences -- Dissertations, Academic; Afro Caribbean cults; Forensic anthropology; Human skeleton; Ritual -- Caribbean Area

Format

Print

Identifier

DP0022098

Language

English

Access Status

Open Access

Length of Campus-only Access

None

Document Type

Honors in the Major Thesis

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