Forensic Biohistory Spectacular Subjects, Contested Bodies

Abstract

Bodies of the famous dead have interested the public and academics for more than 200 years. Most contributions focus on positive identification, characterizing the lives and deaths of the famous dead, or asking how human remains might inform on historical events that capture public imagination. This work is known as forensic biohistory, and typical exploration of this work consists of documenting examples of the aforementioned questions. Here we offer a relational definition of the field, one that undergirds and frames all three types of inquiries, and explore the implications of this definition. Forensic biohistory consists of inquiry situated at the intersection of spectacular subjects and contested bodies, with scientists being among those contributing to and contesting the narratives surrounding these personages. In light of this definition, we consider how forensic biohistory reflects larger questions regarding power dynamics within biological anthropology that have come into acute focus in recent decades. We reflect on the relationship and differences between forensic biohistory and other fields, both to discern disciplinary boundaries and to highlight the need to problematize and theorize forensic biohistory separately from them. Finally, we highlight ethical and professional challenges, as well as opportunities that stem from a field that is so relationally conditioned and defined. We suggest that forensic biohistory offers unique potential both because the intersection of such subjects and bodies can and should be studied in its own right, and doing so offers opportunities to contribute to contemporary public discourse and historical consciousness.