This paper uses an osteological approach and applies the study of entanglement in an attempt to u... more This paper uses an osteological approach and applies the study of entanglement in an attempt to understand the crematoria on Rapa Nui (Easter Island), which represent a unique tradition within the ...
Violent death : A forensic interpretation of perimortem injuries on human skeletal remains from m... more Violent death : A forensic interpretation of perimortem injuries on human skeletal remains from modern and archaeological cases - understanding human behaviour in violent encounters
This paper uses an osteological approach and applies the study of entanglement in an attempt to u... more This paper uses an osteological approach and applies the study of entanglement in an attempt to understand the crematoria on Rapa Nui (Easter Island), which represent a unique tradition within the ceremonial spheres of the Polynesian area. Skeletal remains from the crematorium of ahu Hanga Hahave, which consist of both cremated - and unburned remains, have been analysed to reveal the different practices that took part in the cremation process and to identify the individuals that were deposited in such structure. Ethnohistorical records were applied to interpret the osteological evidence and to discuss the circumstances surrounding the possible use of the crematorium, as either a site for sacrificial offerings or a site for burials. This paper aims at creating an underlying basis for the study of crematoria on Rapa Nui and provides an overview of the processes central to the disposal of the dead and the usage and significance of this structure. The results of this study showed that the ancient Rapanui through the practice of cremation, followed an internalised structure within their society to complete each cultural act that constituted the crematorium, and these were divided in the construction of the crematorium, the making of fire, and the treatment of the dead. The complexity of each cultural act presents the possibility that an organised society, with at least one designated head, may have been in charge of the practice of cremation physically and spiritually. The skeletal remains could not be applied to determine whether the crematorium of Hanga Hahave was used for sacrificial offering or for burial since the analysed remains only represented one-fifth of the entire bone collection from the crematorium. However, the findings in this study have pointed towards a burial practice rather than a sacrificial one.
This paper represents a forensic perspective in the analysis of perimortem injuries, associated t... more This paper represents a forensic perspective in the analysis of perimortem injuries, associated to interpersonal violence in events such as executions, homicide, violation to human rights issue and battle (in relation to warfare). Violent interactions occur in numerous contexts, providing important insight into the relationship between the victim and the perpetrator. The purpose of this study is to evaluate if a forensic study could be applied to interpret archaeological remains. By analysing and identifying injuries with appearance (as in shape, pattern etc.), direction and location. A comparative material from modern context is additional applied to identify human behaviour in violent events by recognizing cause of death, and identifying the different participants involved. Resemblances in context are additionally evaluated to interpret the motivation to preform a violent act.
The skeletonized remains consist of commingled bones and complete skeletons, and are subdivided into historic and modern remains. Skeletonized remains from Galgberget in Visby and the Battle of Good Friday in Uppsala constitute the archaeological material, exhibiting commingled bones and complete skeletons. Modern skeletal remains – the comparative material - consists of complete skeletons from Chile, one is identified from a modern case of homicide and seven as Ejecutados Políticos y los Detenidos Desaparecidos, whom were persecuted and killed during the dictatorship in Chile that lasted from 1975 to 1990.
Sharp force trauma and gunshot (projectile) wounds were identified, revealing the position of the perpetrator and victim during the attack. This instance was evaluated in relation to its respective context to interpret manner of death, using evidence of multiple wounds and possible defensive wounds. Depositions of the remains were also investigated to make an accurate investigation.
This paper uses an osteological approach and applies the study of entanglement in an attempt to u... more This paper uses an osteological approach and applies the study of entanglement in an attempt to understand the crematoria on Rapa Nui (Easter Island), which represent a unique tradition within the ...
Violent death : A forensic interpretation of perimortem injuries on human skeletal remains from m... more Violent death : A forensic interpretation of perimortem injuries on human skeletal remains from modern and archaeological cases - understanding human behaviour in violent encounters
This paper uses an osteological approach and applies the study of entanglement in an attempt to u... more This paper uses an osteological approach and applies the study of entanglement in an attempt to understand the crematoria on Rapa Nui (Easter Island), which represent a unique tradition within the ceremonial spheres of the Polynesian area. Skeletal remains from the crematorium of ahu Hanga Hahave, which consist of both cremated - and unburned remains, have been analysed to reveal the different practices that took part in the cremation process and to identify the individuals that were deposited in such structure. Ethnohistorical records were applied to interpret the osteological evidence and to discuss the circumstances surrounding the possible use of the crematorium, as either a site for sacrificial offerings or a site for burials. This paper aims at creating an underlying basis for the study of crematoria on Rapa Nui and provides an overview of the processes central to the disposal of the dead and the usage and significance of this structure. The results of this study showed that the ancient Rapanui through the practice of cremation, followed an internalised structure within their society to complete each cultural act that constituted the crematorium, and these were divided in the construction of the crematorium, the making of fire, and the treatment of the dead. The complexity of each cultural act presents the possibility that an organised society, with at least one designated head, may have been in charge of the practice of cremation physically and spiritually. The skeletal remains could not be applied to determine whether the crematorium of Hanga Hahave was used for sacrificial offering or for burial since the analysed remains only represented one-fifth of the entire bone collection from the crematorium. However, the findings in this study have pointed towards a burial practice rather than a sacrificial one.
This paper represents a forensic perspective in the analysis of perimortem injuries, associated t... more This paper represents a forensic perspective in the analysis of perimortem injuries, associated to interpersonal violence in events such as executions, homicide, violation to human rights issue and battle (in relation to warfare). Violent interactions occur in numerous contexts, providing important insight into the relationship between the victim and the perpetrator. The purpose of this study is to evaluate if a forensic study could be applied to interpret archaeological remains. By analysing and identifying injuries with appearance (as in shape, pattern etc.), direction and location. A comparative material from modern context is additional applied to identify human behaviour in violent events by recognizing cause of death, and identifying the different participants involved. Resemblances in context are additionally evaluated to interpret the motivation to preform a violent act.
The skeletonized remains consist of commingled bones and complete skeletons, and are subdivided into historic and modern remains. Skeletonized remains from Galgberget in Visby and the Battle of Good Friday in Uppsala constitute the archaeological material, exhibiting commingled bones and complete skeletons. Modern skeletal remains – the comparative material - consists of complete skeletons from Chile, one is identified from a modern case of homicide and seven as Ejecutados Políticos y los Detenidos Desaparecidos, whom were persecuted and killed during the dictatorship in Chile that lasted from 1975 to 1990.
Sharp force trauma and gunshot (projectile) wounds were identified, revealing the position of the perpetrator and victim during the attack. This instance was evaluated in relation to its respective context to interpret manner of death, using evidence of multiple wounds and possible defensive wounds. Depositions of the remains were also investigated to make an accurate investigation.
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Papers by Sigourney Navarro
The skeletonized remains consist of commingled bones and complete skeletons, and are subdivided into historic and modern remains. Skeletonized remains from Galgberget in Visby and the Battle of Good Friday in Uppsala constitute the archaeological material, exhibiting commingled bones and complete skeletons. Modern skeletal remains – the comparative material - consists of complete skeletons from Chile, one is identified from a modern case of homicide and seven as Ejecutados Políticos y los Detenidos Desaparecidos, whom were persecuted and killed during the dictatorship in Chile that lasted from 1975 to 1990.
Sharp force trauma and gunshot (projectile) wounds were identified, revealing the position of the perpetrator and victim during the attack. This instance was evaluated in relation to its respective context to interpret manner of death, using evidence of multiple wounds and possible defensive wounds. Depositions of the remains were also investigated to make an accurate investigation.
The skeletonized remains consist of commingled bones and complete skeletons, and are subdivided into historic and modern remains. Skeletonized remains from Galgberget in Visby and the Battle of Good Friday in Uppsala constitute the archaeological material, exhibiting commingled bones and complete skeletons. Modern skeletal remains – the comparative material - consists of complete skeletons from Chile, one is identified from a modern case of homicide and seven as Ejecutados Políticos y los Detenidos Desaparecidos, whom were persecuted and killed during the dictatorship in Chile that lasted from 1975 to 1990.
Sharp force trauma and gunshot (projectile) wounds were identified, revealing the position of the perpetrator and victim during the attack. This instance was evaluated in relation to its respective context to interpret manner of death, using evidence of multiple wounds and possible defensive wounds. Depositions of the remains were also investigated to make an accurate investigation.