Discovering hidden voices in South African forensic archaeology

Abstract

This dissertation outlines the history of the discipline of forensic archaeology in South Africa, reviewing its development over the years. Forensic archaeology is an important discipline in the detection and recovery of human remains and related evidence. While forensic archaeology has been shown to be important, it’s existence is largely within the shadows of forensic anthropology. What is further evident is that it’s development has been significantly varied from one country to the next. I principally focused on four countries (Australia, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, and South Africa) to critically assess its historical development. Furthermore, two sets of respondents were interviewed through the use of questionnaires to provide the necessary insights. These were the students studying Physical Anthropology (ANA 315) and the professionals working directly and indirectly within the industry of forensic archaeology. I found that the discipline is in its embryonic stages in the country, with no one really identifying as a forensic archaeologist. There are no independent courses offered for one to train as a specialist in the field. Equally, there are no set of requirements for those who wish to practice as forensic archaeologists.