A man lived more than ten thousand years ago, was buried in a Nevada cave, and became the subject of modern scientific study.

But the case also points forward.

Archaeology is entering an era in which researchers can extract more information from smaller amounts of material than ever before.

Genomes can be recovered from fragments once considered useless.

Proteins, isotopes, microscopic residues, and digital imaging can reveal details invisible to earlier generations.

That scientific power makes consent more important, not less.

If one small sample can generate enormous amounts of information, then decisions about who authorizes that sample carry greater consequences.

The Spirit Cave case shows that tribes can be partners in those decisions rather than people consulted only after research plans are complete.

It also demonstrates that the future of archaeology does not have to repeat the collecting practices of the past.

Researchers can build relationships before sampling.