The larger mystery was never simply biological.

It was institutional.

Could a modern legal system recognize a relationship that stretched beyond written records?

Could archaeology accept that scientific value does not equal permanent ownership?

Could a tribe use science without surrendering authority to science?

Could an ancestor become a person again after decades as a specimen?

Spirit Cave answered those questions imperfectly, but meaningfully.

Yes, continuity can reach across ten thousand years.

Yes, scientific conclusions can change.

Yes, governments can reverse earlier decisions.