I have a lot of thoughts about this so bear with me while I try to articulate (heheheh) all of them
1) Historical issues. First thing’s first, let’s talk about this cemetery. They’re right in saying that this is a unique cemetery, as this one is full of below-ground burials, and most of Louisiana have above-ground tombs. This means, that yes, this is a “poor man’s graveyard.” Now, I wonder, who are those poor men? In Louisiana, in 1879?? That’s right, this cemetery is full of black people, including Jessie Hill, Buddy Bolton, and, briefly, Robert Charles, to name a few.
Grave robbers have always been a concern to people who bury their loved ones, and, if you’re poor, all you can really do is hope.
So it makes me so angry that this person is saying this is a “literal witch hunt” trying to make it seem like law enforcement is being prejudiced against witches, while at the same time taking advantage of the historical poverty of black people. None of these are “leftover remains,” this is an important, historical site that should be treated with respect and care. Even the professionals (archeologists/anthropologists) take huge care to not damage the remains or the cultural context in which they were found.
In fact, when a historical/ancient burial is found, ESPECIALLY if it is Native Indian, the goal is to get it reburied as fast as possible. (If you want to know more about this, I suggest reading up on the Kennewick Man)
2) Modern bone market. I love bones as much as the next lady, but I refuse to own real human remains, even if they come from “reliable sources,” (meaning they aren’t looted). Why? What do you think drives someone to be willing to sell their loved one’s remains? Again, this comes back to the idea of major global poverty. I’m trying to find my info about it now, so if you’re super interested about it stay tuned and I’ll find some stuff I have about the modern bone market.
3) Implications of new law for other people. Louisiana, as most know, has a huge population of voodoo practitioners, as well as traditional African beliefs brought over during the slave trade (Afro-diasporic Cultures). This is important because a lot of these religions practice ancestor worship. Do you know what’s important in ancestor worship? The remains. By disrespecting this cemetery and those it contains, this person has made it so much more difficult for an already marginalized group to practice their beliefs in peace.
IF YOU SEE BONES:
1) Call the police. Use the non-emergency line (the person is already dead, they won’t get deadder by waiting), and let them know, like, “hey, I’m walking by the cemetery and there’s some bones. They probably got washed up by the rain, but maybe come out just to be sure,” (a surprising amount of criminals bury their victims in cemeteries). The police will be there, along with a state archeologist or anthropologist to take care of the remains. Congrats, you’ve either helped to solve a crime, or prevent one.
2) On that note, if you come across bits of pottery or arrowheads, it is actually illegal to take them and double-illegal to sell them. Leave them where they are, and call your state historical preservation office.
“But I really want bones!”
Animal bones are a great place to start! These are pretty dang easy to scavenge for! But, please, for the love of Gd, don’t use bleach on them. Please. You’ll ruin them that way.
Still want real human bones? Tough luck.
I will always highly recommend Bone Clones for human AND animal bone replicas. They do a fantastic job and I need to get me a trephinated skull soon.
But, back to the point: There was exactly no need for this. They were acting from a place of privilege and selfishness, and just made life a lot more difficult for a lot of people who are actually doing nothing wrong. the bones aren’t yours?? They’re meant to be in a grave?? Leave them there.
