Bioarqueologia dos esquecidos: desafios éticos a partir do trabalho com uma coleção de ossos contemporâneos no Rio Grande do Sul

Abstract

In Brazil, despite advances in bioarchaeology, there is still a significant gap in research in this area, which often leads researchers to rely on databases from foreign populations. Therefore, there is a clear need for contemporary bone collections from Brazilian populations in order to conduct more accurate and contextualized research. In addition, it is important to recognize that the ethical treatment of these collections is crucial, since bones represent individuals who lived recently and therefore have cultural and historical meanings that are still very present in our memory. The Federal University of Pelotas (UFPel) has a bone collection that exemplifies the ethical challenges faced when dealing with skeletal remains. Based on the organization of the UFPel bone collection, this study aims to analyse the ethical challenges associated with research with human remains, in order to preserve not only the physical integrity of the bones, but also the historical and cultural value they represent. Protocols were developed for cataloguing and organizing the bones in the collection, while also reflecting on the ethical complexity of dealing with human remains in the context of contemporary skeletal collections. As a result, the aim is to promote an ethical and responsible approach to bioarchaeological practice in Brazil.