Documented Skeletal Collections and Their Importance in Forensic Anthropology in the United States

Documented skeletal collections are the backbone of forensic anthropology due to their associated biohistories. This paper describes identified and relevance in anthropological research, education training US. The establishment documented US can be distinguished into two modus operandi, depending on stance towards dead, legislation, medical practices. In 19th early 20th centuries, anatomists amassed skeletons from cadaver dissections, shaped by European influences. Those compose anatomical collections—such as Robert J. Terry Anatomical Collection—predominantly representing impoverished unclaimed individuals. Ethical concerns for curation research African American without family consent growing contrast, since 1980s, modern originated body donations human taphonomy facilities, such William M. Bass Donated Skeletal Collection. testing osteological methods essential establish one’s identity—such age at death sex—have been developed with collections. Therefore, analysis has crucial development