Historia y microhistoria en la osteología antropológica. Debate sobre metodologías de investigación de las ¿poblaciones?, a través de los restos óseos

Abstract

This paper suggests the need to create “multi-dimensional research arenas” in physical anthropology, that go beyond the traditional division between contemporary and past “populations”. If multi-dimensional arenas are to be the focus of analyses, the division does not need to be an epistemological and theoretical one. The division is needed only to assess the differences of data gathered either in live humans or human remains. Research experience in contemporary populations should be used to rethink the methodologies in osteological research. Thus, the differences between “macro” and “micro” perspectives, case studies, and quantitative vs qualitative methodologies and data analysis, should also be considered. Finally, the paper suggests that the levels of generalization that can be derived from human remains analyses, need to be reviewed.