I fully agree with Deb Fuller's remarks, although I don't think I'm
insensitive to legitimate Native American claims and requests.  Since
"culture" is such a variable, complex, and slippery notion, and "race," as
modern anthropologists tell us, is relatively meaningless, I too find some
claims for remains and artifacts overblown and problematic.  Unfortunately,
the official bureaucratic definitions and designations of tribes apparently
muddy the waters unfairly.

I was greatly amused by the furor of competing claims to the unusual human
remains found in the Northwest some time ago (last year?), when even some
group claiming Viking descent wrestled with the scientists over them (I'm
sure someone can fill in the details which my flagging memory can't quite
summon).  Such an absurdity was bound to happen sooner or later.  While I
can't discount real cultural and religious traditions, it seems to me that
there is always the risk of a modern group seeking to impose its search for a
cultural identity on the distant past.

David Haberstich

=========================================================
Important Subscriber Information:

The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ museum-l.html. You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes).

If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to
[log in to unmask] The body of the message should read "Signoff
Museum-L" (without the quotes).