And now:Ish <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes:
Another Mystery Shrouds
Kennewick Man: Who Stole His
Bones?
http://www.sltrib.com/1999/jan/01011999/nation_w/71291.htm
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
KENNEWICK, Wash. -- The U.S. Department of Justice is
investigating removal of bone fragments from a 9,200-year-old
skeleton called Kennewick Man.
In March, the government concluded that someone took
portions of the skeleton's femurs, which scientists consider the
most valuable bones for study because they help reveal such
things as height, age and other characteristics.
Scientists said the apparent theft of the 9-inch to 12-inch long
femurs was a ``deliberate act of desecration.''
Allison Rumsey, who is handling the Kennewick Man case
for the Justice Department, said Wednesday the agency is
conducting an ``active investigation,'' but policy prevents her
from elaborating.
``The Justice Department takes this issue very seriously,'' she
said. ``There is an investigation under way, and we will continue
to monitor this situation closely.''
Northwest Indian tribes and scientists have filed conflicting
claims of ownership of the bones. Indians claim the skeleton as
an ancestor, but scientists say evidence suggests Kennewick
Man may not be related to modern American Indians.
``We as tribes do not want the bones separated from the
skeleton,'' Marla Big Boy, attorney for the Confederated Tribes
of the Colville Reservation, said Wednesday.
The Colvilles are among five Northwest tribes that have
claimed the skeleton and want it back for reburial in accordance
with religious customs.
``If there has been any covert measures or actions, we want
those who have done that held accountable,'' Big Boy said.
So do the scientists who sued the federal government for the
right to study the remains found 2 1/2 years ago on a Columbia
River bank in a Kennewick park.
Alan Schneider, a Portland, Ore., attorney who represents the
scientists, said the federal government has been ``ducking the
issue'' of the stolen remains.
A Justice Department report filed Wednesday in U.S. District
Court in Portland, Ore., makes little reference to the missing
bones.
The skeleton has temporarily been transferred to the
University of Washington's Burke Museum in Seattle.
In the government's report, federal archaeologists agreed with
Richland scientist Jim Chatters that cracks developed in the skull
as the saturated bones dried, and are not the result of
mishandling by federal agencies.
However, it blames Chatters for some of the deterioration.
Chatters used plaster, wax and glue to prevent cracking, to
reconstruct parts and to make a plaster cast of the skull.
``Dr. Chatters' treatment of the remains likely lead to some of
the cracking he observed,'' the federal report concludes.
Chatters defended his handling of the bones.
``I made every effort I could to minimize damage when they
were in my care,'' he said. ``The cracking I observed was after
they left my hands.''
Schneider said it is irresponsible to blame Chatters because
the government failed to assess the skeleton's condition when it
was received in September 1996.
The Interior Department said tests to find the bones' rightful
owners will start in late February or early March.
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