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Indiana Riverbank Skull Confirmed 4,270 Years Old as Officials Plan Repatriation

The finding now falls under cultural stewardship, with Indiana conservation officials expected to advise on repatriation.

Overview

  • A landowner discovered the fragment on June 2 along the Whitewater River in Fayette County and promptly reported it to the sheriff’s department.
  • Specialists at the University of Indianapolis Human Identification Center determined the fragment was human and from an adult.
  • Radiocarbon testing by the University of Georgia’s Center for Applied Isotope Studies dated the bone to roughly 2300 B.C.
  • Coroner Eddie Richardson announced the results on Indigenous Peoples’ Day and praised the reporting landowner as well as the multi-agency collaboration.
  • The coroner’s office is coordinating with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and is awaiting guidance on repatriation and site management.