Summary

Dr. John Verano of Tulane University wades into forensic anthropology and bioarchaeology. He discusses some of the realities of working with the recently deceased before switching gears to talk about a giant sacrifice site that he’s been working on in Peru. Plus, find out what mummies smell like.

Recommendations

• What to read to learn more:
  • Archaeology Magazine
  • National Geographic
  • Paleopathology Association
  • Dr. Verano’s website
  • Join local archaeology clubs or check with local museums, groups, or universities to see if they’re looking for volunteers
• What he’s reading for work right now:
  • Anzellini, Armando & Toyne, Jennifer. (2019). Estimating the stature of ancient high‐altitude Andean populations from skeletal remains of the Chachapoya of Peru. American Journal of Physical Anthropology. 171. 10.1002/ajpa.23977.
  • Proof pages of a book on an ancient Peruvian tomb
  • When Montezuma Met Cortes: The True Story of the Meeting that Changed History by Matthew Restall
• What he’s reading for fun right now:
  • A book on efficiency
  • A book on meditation
  • All that Remains: A Life in Death by Sue Black

Reference articles

• Prieto G, Verano JW, Goepfert N, Kennett D, Quilter J, et al. (2019) A mass sacrifice of children and camelids at the Huanchaquito-Las Llamas site, Moche Valley, Peru. PLOS ONE 14(3): e0211691. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0211691
• Verano, John. (2019). Looking back, looking forward: Paleopathology in Andean South America. International Journal of Paleopathology. 10.1016/j.ijpp.2019.10.001.