A decolonizing approach to digital 3D visualizations and 3D printed models of human skeletal remains as demonstrative evidence in court: a view from Aotearoa New Zealand

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ABSTRACT

This research examines the impact of creating and presenting 3D visualizations and 3D printed models of human skeletal remains in relation to the cultural and ethical values of Māori, the indigenous people of Aotearoa New Zealand. Within Aotearoa, there is a complex history where Māori have not been consulted regarding the introduction of new technologies and systems, which ultimately had negative consequences for Māori. Using a decolonizing research approach, interviews (N = 12) and a focus group (N = 2) were conducted to identify key concepts regarding the sovereignty of these novel forms of digital data through a Māori cultural framework. For Māori, human skeletal remains are sacred; this research explored key questions including Māori Data Sovereignty and Rights, and what the digital data from human remains represents for Māori. Particular themes were identified regarding consultation with whānau (extended family) about the usefulness of the data to justice outcomes, and the rights of whānau to access, storage and disposal of the digital data, and subsequent printed 3D models. The core discussion across all participants related to tikanga Māori (Māori protocols) regarding the creation and interpretation of data, and the need for wider consultation with forensic scientists, lawyers, judges, Police and iwi (tribes) across Aotearoa.

KEYWORDS:

• Criminal justice
• forensic anthropology
• data sovereignty
• 3D printing
• courtroom process
• Indigenous perspectives

Acknowledgments

We sincerely thank all our participants. Kā mihi nui ki a koe.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The work was supported by the Division of Health Sciences, University of Otago [Impact and Engagement Award]; University of Otago [University of Otago Research Grant].