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Human Remains & Unmarked Burials
B O N E S ?
WHAT TO DO WHEN HUMAN BURIALS ARE ACCIDENTLY UNCOVERED
Why are bones sometimes found?
In North Carolina, many unmarked graves exist without gravestones, fences,
tombstones, or other surface indications of their presence. These are
chiefly the graves of prehistoric and historic Indians, which may never
have been marked at all; and human graves which had been identified at
one time in the past, but the markings are no longer visible. As a result,
bones are often found during ordinary ground disturbance activities such
as the construction of new homes, utilities, or roads; in the agricultural
or industrial use of a site; or the excavation of sand borrow pits. Bones
are also sometimes found eroding out of areas exposed by natural erosion,
floodwater scouring, or sand dune formation. Who is involved?
What should you do if you discover bones?
Do not touch or disturb the bones. Notify the state or local police
and the regional medical examiner about the discovery and location.
What does the Medical Examiner do?
The Medical Examiner investigates the discovery to determine whether
the bones are human, and whether a criminal investigation may be warranted.
If G.S. 130-198 does not apply, the Chief Medical Examiner then notifies
the State Archaeologist, who immediately conducts an archaeological investigation
of the site. Throughout these investigations, the police authorities should
insure that the site is protected from further damage.
What does the State Archaeologist do?
The State Archaeologist investigates the site to determine the age,
cultural association and identity of the burial. If the State Archaeologist
determines that the burial is that of a Native American, the Commission
of Indian Affairs is notified. The State Archaeologist consults with the
landowner to determine whether the burial can remain undisturbed. In the
case of development projects, the owner and State Archaeologist discuss
whether there are prudent and feasible steps the owner can take to protect
the burial. If it is impossible to avoid future harm to the burial, the
State Archaeologist will arrange to have the remains removed.
What does the Commission of Indian Affairs do?
The archaeological investigation of Indian burials is monitored by the
Commission of Indian Affairs to insure that the remains are treated respectfully.
Please remember: Once bones or artifacts are removed
from the site, valuable information concerning the identity and age of
the human remains is lost. Therefore, it is important not to disturb the
site in any way until the State Archaeologist can conduct an investigation
and record the discovery.
Bibliography For Further Information, Contact:
STATE ARCHAEOLOGIST Tel. (919) 807-6552 |
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