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Repatriation and Reburial

By K. Kris Hirst, About.com

Definition: Repatriation refers to the return of human remains, grave goods, sacred objects or objects of cultural patrimony to the individuals, groups, or nations that represent the original owners. Reburial refers more specifically to the reinterment of human remains that were archaeologically excavated. The repatriation movement is part of an indigenous peoples' rights movement, and there have been laws enacted all over the world to repatriate artifacts and human remains, such as NAGPRA in the United States.

This glossary entry is part of the Dictionary of Archaeology. Sources for the term include the references listed on the front page of the Dictionary, and the websites listed in the sidebar. Any mistakes are the responsibility of Kris Hirst.

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