ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Page Count: 12

Decomposition of Buried Human Bodies and Associated Death Scene Materials on Coral Atolls in the Tropical Pacific
Franke, B
Research Scientist and Director, Institut für Energie und Umweltforschung,

Spennemann, DHR
Lecturer in Cultural Heritage Studies, Johnstone Centre of Parks, Recreation and Heritage, Charles Sturt University, NSW

(Received 30 December 1993; accepted 12 August 1994)

Abstract

The decomposition of bodies and the decay of associated cultural materials, including clothing, personal ornaments, caskets, and grave goods, was investigated based on a series of exhumations on a small sand island on Kwajalein Atoll, Marshall Islands. Decay data were documented for an interment period between 40 and 80 months.

Keywords:
physical anthropology, decomposition, death scene materials, coral atolls, tropics

Paper ID: JFS13787J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS13787J
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