Bioethical Implications in the Study of Ossuaries in Caves Around Lake Metzabok. A Look from Ontological Archaeology

Abstract

This work documents the conceptions of the Lacandon Maya related with caches of human bones found in caves around Lake Metzabok. The outcomes of academic projects analyzing bioanthropological data is contrasted with the local interpretations given by the Lacandon to explain their past and the origin of human remains. According to Lacandon ontology, the ossuaries found in caves are considered sacred and alive spaces, where the relationship between human and non-human persons takes place. The analysis of these sanctuaries, from an ontological archaeology perspective, allows us to reflect on the importance of pairing the academic work with the study of local understanding.