Confronting the Dead: an Anthropologistâs Engagement with Human Remains at Choeung Ek

Julie Fleischman

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Chapter 11 Confronting the Dead: an Anthropologistâs Engagement with Human Remains at Choeung Ek

In: Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum

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Julie Fleischman

Julie Fleischman
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Type:: Chapter

Pages:: 196â212

DOI:: https://doi.org/10.1163/9789004536890_013

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Abstract

Human skeletal remains, particularly those from genocidal contexts such as Cambodia, are politically dynamic, culturally engaging, emotionally overwhelming, and invaluable physical evidence of violence. Tens of thousands of such skeletal remains were exhumed in 1979 from 86 mass graves at Choeung Ek, the execution and burial location for Khmer Rouge victims, primarily derived from S-21. Subsequent to exhumation, the remains were curated and memorialized at what is now the Cheoung Ek Genocidal Center. My initial engagement with the remains at Choeung Ek began as a visitor in 2014. The following year I undertook an anthropological research initiative to scientifically analyze hundreds of crania to assess demographic and traumatic injury data. These data were then compared to the historical narrative of violence committed by the Khmer Rouge to determine whether the physical evidence supports or contradicts this narrative. The historical narrative of atrocities was elucidated throughout the proceedings of the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia, although skeletal data was nearly absent. While the integration of scientific data and historical narratives can provide a more holistic perspective, there are challenges and consequences associated with interpretations of skeletal data within a legal context. These challenges are described and suggestions for further research are discussed.

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Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum

A Multifaceted History of Khmer Rouge Crimes

Series:Â Brill's Southeast Asian Library, Volume: 13

E-Book ISBN:: 9789004536890

Publisher:: Brill

Print Publication Date:: 09 Apr 2024

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Chapter 11 Confronting the Dead: an Anthropologistâs Engagement with Human Remains at Choeung Ek

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Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum

A Multifaceted History of Khmer Rouge Crimes

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Chapter 11 Confronting the Dead: an Anthropologistâs Engagement with Human Remains at Choeung Ek