This paper presents research on isolated human remains from Grasshopper Pueblo and analyzes the processes by which bone becomes displaced from burials. Isolated human bone has never been systematically examined, which represents a significant gap in the study of the prehistoric American Southwest. This research is important because it is the first determination of the pattern of isolated bone found at an archaeological site and the formation processes that are responsible. It is also relevant for the creation of a standard isolated bone methodology and because it enables a better understanding of burial assemblages and anomalous assemblages of culturally modified bone.Subadults dominate the assemblage and larger elements are better represented than smaller elements. Most of the modifications present are postmortem but perimortem breakage and toolmarks are also present. This research produced a baseline of detailed data on isolated human bone in which patterns and anomalies can be inferred; the results suggest multiple causes of the isolation of the specimens, including prehistoric cultural disturbance, rodent disturbance, and the process of excavation.

In an effort to make Appalachia a more acceptable and productive region to the rest of the country, the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) was created in 1965. This agency continued some of the efforts began by other redevelopment agencies, such as the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), the Office of Economic Opportunity (OEO), and the Area Redevelopment Agency (ARA). What was not in the original plan, however, was keeping an enormously rich existent culture alive. Having effected tremendous advancement in infrastructure, followed by continued industrial growth and health, social, and educational reform, Appalachia continues to experience the repercussions of those changes on the cultural level. Using personal interviews with volunteers who are older-generation, native Appalachians, regarding their experiences of life before, during, and after the ARC was introduced, this thesis explores the significance of cultural preservation, not only for rural Appalachians, but also for other groups threatened by cultural extinction.