Abstract
The Peruvian internal armed conflict of the 1980s and 90s saw the death and disappearance of an estimated 70,000 people, the large majority of whom were rural Quechua-speakers. Though the resolution of the conflict occurred more than 20 years ago, many people are still seeking closure and justice for the disappearance of their loved ones. Family members began searching for the missing in the 1980s, but coordinated forensic archaeological efforts only took off in the early 2000s with the Peruvian Truth and Reconciliation Commission, who adapted guidelines from the International Criminal Tribunal used in the former Yugoslavia.
Despite extensive literature on Peruvian forensic archaeology, there is a notable lack of records of interactions between family members of the missing and forensic specialists. This demonstrates unstandardized emotional protocols and leaves room for abusive practices that may exacerbate trauma. Through ethnographic interviews with current archaeological professionals and in-depth analysis of early site reports and their accompanying interview transcriptions, this Independent Study seeks to determine: 1) what ethical practices forensic archaeologists should follow when working with Indigenous communities; 2) what role State and non-governmental agents play in exacerbating or healing post-conflict trauma; and 3) how family members of the missing are involved in the investigative process. These perspectives are particularly important for the future of the field of forensic archaeology, as a reevaluation of family member involvement can minimize the emotional burden investigative work has on survivors. This work will focus on data from the region of Ayacucho, the epicenter of the conflict.
Advisor
Samei, Siavash
Department
Archaeology
Recommended Citation
Frison De Angelis, Olivia, "Incorporating Indigenous Families: An Exploration of Forensic Archaeological Ethics in Post-Conflict Andean Peru" (2023). Senior Independent Study Theses. Paper 10567.
https://openworks.wooster.edu/independentstudy/10567
Disciplines
Archaeological Anthropology | Community Health | Forensic Science and Technology | Indigenous Studies | Latin American Languages and Societies | Latin American Studies | Latina/o Studies | Legal Ethics and Professional Responsibility | Linguistic Anthropology | Race, Ethnicity and Post-Colonial Studies
Keywords
forensics, archaeology, anthropology, psychology, ethics, Ayacucho, Peru, Andes, Indigeneity, necroviolence, biopower, Quechua, Spanish
Publication Date
2023
Degree Granted
Bachelor of Arts
Document Type
Senior Independent Study Thesis
© Copyright 2023 Olivia Frison De Angelis