The genesis for this conference, and its subsequent proceedings, came from discussions held in the newly formed Archaeological Discussion group, a subgroup of the American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works' Objects specialty group, about the definition of an archaeological conservator and the directions in which the field was evolving.

Archaeologists, bioarchaeologists, conservators and physical anthropologists here contribute 34 papers, which provide different perspectives on the issues involved in the excavation of human remains. The papers, proceedings from a conference held in Williamsburg, Virginia, in November 1999, are divided into eight thematic sections: legal and ethical issues; excavation; associated materials; conservation; analysis; documentation; curation; public perceptions and exhibitions. Broad theoretical essays are combined with specific case studies drawn from across the world. These include the...