The Story Of Ishi, The Yahi Man Who Emerged From The California Wilderness — Then Became A “Living Exhibit” In San Francisco

Those questions are now central to ethical research with Indigenous peoples.

Ishi’s story helped expose why they are necessary.

The Return Of His Remains Did Not End The Debate

When Ishi’s remains were reunited and buried in 2000, many reports treated the event as closure.

It was an important act of repair.

But closure is too simple a word.

The physical remains could be returned.

The photographs remained in archives.

The recordings remained.

The objects he made remained.