Riddle of the Bones: Politics, Science, Race, and the Story of Kennewick Man - Hardcover

Downey, Roger

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0387988777 ISBN 13: 9780387988771

Publisher: Copernicus, 2000

Synopsis

From its discovery in the Columbia River shallows three years ago, reporter Roger Downey has chronicled the epic adventures of the skeleton called "Kennewick Man": first as pretext for a media feeding-frenzy, then as centerpiece of a legal circus pitting celebrated scientists against Native Americans, the Corps of Engineers, and the Clinton White House, finally, at the long last, as object of rational scientist study. The saga of Kennewick Man offers abundant opportunity to explore todays rapidly changing scientific theories about how the Americans first came to be settled, and by whom. But it also casts light on the divisions within the fields of anthropology and archaeology concerning the role of politics and race in the pursuit of scientific goals, what constitutes ethical procedure in dealing with ancient remains, and the very purpose and direction of the scientific enterprise itself.

About this title

From the Back Cover

Wading in the shallow waters of the Columbia River in Washington State, Will Thomas saw something smooth and round looming in the murky water at his feet. "Hey," he shouted jokingly, "we have a human head here."

And what do you know, that's exactly what they did have: a complete human skull, river mud oozing from its eyesockets and a double arc of brown teeth grinning in the sun.

Thus, one blistering hot July day in 1996, began the unlikely career of the skeleton known as "Kennewick Man." Nearly four years after its discovery, the remains Native Americans call "The Ancient One" are still embroiled in legal, ethical, and scientific controversy. Their saga -equal parts detective story, expose, and comedy of errors - will appeal to any reader interested in what happens when religion, politics, and the search for truth collide.

Edition details

• Publisher: Copernicus
• Publication date: 2000
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0387988777
• ISBN 13: 9780387988771
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 214