Forensic archaeology and anthropology in Brazil

This chapter begins with a brief overview of Brazil's somewhat hectic past and some key developments in legislation that have led to the rather incongruous state of forensic archaeology in a country whose economy is ranked the world's sixth largest and which has been chosen to host major sporting events such as the FIFA World Cup in 2014 and the Olympic Games in 2016. It discusses the contemporary situation in forensic archaeology in Brazil and follows with a reference to illustrative examples. The close interface between forensic archaeology and anthropology in Brazil makes both areas almost indistinguishable. Contemporary practice does recognise that forensic archaeology and anthropology represent more than excavation and osteology. The wider significance of forensic archaeology and anthropology to the rule of law and the safeguarding of human rights is of contemporary as well as historical importance, in Brazil as it is elsewhere.