Ethics and bioanthropology

Abstract

In this paper I present breifly some of the ethic problems of the osteological research as a professional activity. I analized some cuestions related with excavation of human skeletal remains, catalogue and with their preservation. Also, the «intellectual property» of the skeletons. The lack of normativity in various aspects. The «academic imperialism and colonialism» mentioned by other authors in relation with ethics and professional bioanthropological activity, is used here as an example of some Mexican situations. The recomendations and some ethic code of the SAA can be applied to analyze our circunstance. I also mentioned several factors which relate anthropolgy and racism, and their social implications. At the end I present some statements about professional osteological activity and his normativity.