Haunting Biology: Science and Indigeneity in Australia

Emma Kowal's book Haunting Biology explores the troubled history of Western biological studies of Indigenous Australians and how we can understand contemporary genomics, especially that conducted by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander scientists. Kowal shows how the material persistence of samples over decades and centuries connects the fates of different scientific methodologies, including blood, bones, hair, comparative anatomy, human biology, physiology, and anthropological genetics. The book features a variety of ghostly presences, such as a dead anatomist, a fetishized piece of hair, and an elusive white Indigenous person, and outlines the complexities, perils, and potentials of studying Indigenous biological difference in the twenty-first century.

Format: Unspecified
Length: 264 pages
Publication date: 17 November 2023
Publisher: Duke University Press

In her captivating book, Haunting Biology, Emma Kowal delves into the troubled history of Western biological studies of Indigenous Australians, shedding light on the complexities and challenges that have shaped our understanding of this diverse population. Kowal explores how the enduring material persistence of samples, spanning decades and centuries, intertwines with the evolution of scientific methodologies, creating a rich tapestry of scientific endeavors. From the study of blood to bones, hair, comparative anatomy, human biology, physiology, and anthropological genetics, these disciplines intertwine, producing and sustaining a multitude of racial theories. Kowal's narratives are filled with eerie specters, including the ghostly presence of a deceased anatomist, a fetishized piece of hair concealed in a war trunk, and the elusive figure of a white Indigenous person. By seamlessly linking this historical context to contemporary genomics and the realities of twenty-first-century Indigeneity, Kowal unveils the intricate complexities, risks, and immense potential of studying Indigenous biological difference in the modern world. Through her meticulous research and thoughtful analysis, Kowal offers a profound exploration of the past, present, and future of biological research, providing valuable insights into the ongoing struggle for recognition, equality, and justice for Indigenous communities worldwide.

Weight: 522g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781478020592