Decolonizing Bioarchaeology in Sudan

Journal of African Archaeology, vol. 22, pp. 12–28

Abstract

Abstract Bioarchaeology, as a subdiscipline, has begun confronting its colonial origins and discussing how to incorporate stakeholders and ethically move forward. Here, we frame this discussion within the context of Sudan and Ancient Nubia. We argue that first we must acknowledge the sordid history of the discipline and then actively take steps to dismantle continuing systems of racism, sexism, and western-centered biases. We begin by discussing the history of the excavation, analysis, and treatment of human skeletal remains from early excavations through to current projects. We then turn to an examination of how we can further decolonize bioarchaeology in Sudan. This will certainly involve working closely with local communities and the National Corporation for Antiquities and Museums, as well as a reconsideration of decision-making processes. We are working towards a best care practices document, detailing guidelines for the curation and analysis of human skeletal remains.

Authors 4

1. Sarah A. Schrader Aachen Faculty of Archaeology

   Leiden University

   Affiliation as printed

   Faculty of Archaeology, Leiden University Einsteinweg 2, 2333 CC Leiden the Netherlands

2. Tomomi Fushiya Aachen Faculty of Archaeology

   Leiden University · Polish Centre of Mediterranean Archaeology, University of Warsaw · University of Warsaw

   Affiliation as printed

   Faculty of Archaeology, Leiden University Einsteinweg 2, 2333 CC Leiden the Netherlands

   Polish Center of Mediterranean Archaeology, University of Warsaw 00-838 Warsaw Poland

3. Mohamed Saad
   Affiliation as printed

   National Corporation for Antiquities and Museums Khartoum Sudan

4. El Hassan Ahmed Mohamed
   Affiliation as printed

   National Corporation for Antiquities and Museums Khartoum Sudan