by Patricia M. Landau and D. Gentry Steele

About the authors: Patricia M. Landau is a former graduate student in the department of anthropology at Texas A&M University. D. Gentry Steele is a professor of anthropology at Texas A&M University and the author of several articles on prehistoric anthropology.

One of the most controversial kinds of studies anthropologists undertake is that of the biological remains of Native Americans. The motivations of physical anthropologists to study human remains often seem unfathomable to some members of Native American communities, and our methods seem also to be misunderstood. We recognize the differences between the values and spiritual beliefs of Native Americans and those of other Americans, and we respect the right of all people to maintain their personal belief and ethical systems. We want to explain the reasons why...