Repressed Bodies as a Research Topic: Archaeology, Memory and Political Uses

Abstract

The search for, study and treatment of repressed bodies from contemporary conflicts has been a significant part of the archaeological agenda in recent years. Amongst forensic disciplines, archaeology has gained growing social recognition and has played a relevant role as a procedure and a research methodology, as well as a tool for defending human rights. The scientific process and the specific nature of materiality have given archaeological intervention an air of objectivity which has at times led to forensic interest being favoured over historical interpretation.