boneseekers

Boneseekers is an informal label applied to people who search for bones, whether fossilized remains, osteological specimens, or bone artifacts. The term encompasses professionals such as paleontologists and archaeologists, museum curators, as well as amateur collectors and bone hobbyists who study, catalogue, or acquire bone material. Activities may include fossil prospecting, field surveys, excavation, recovery, preparation in laboratories, and subsequent identification and conservation of specimens.

In practice, boneseekers often work within legal and ethical frameworks designed to protect cultural patrimony and scientific integrity. Fieldwork typically requires permits, adherence to collection codes, and collaboration with institutions or Indigenous communities. Provenance, dating, and thorough documentation are essential for ensuring scientific value and lawful possession. Human remains are subject to additional protections and repatriation requirements in many jurisdictions.

In culture, the term also appears in folklore and fiction as a figure who hunts for bones or bone relics, sometimes depicted as mystical or illicit traders. In academic and professional contexts, more precise terms such as osteologist, paleontologist, or osteobiography are often preferred to describe specific roles or activities.

See also: paleontology, archaeology, osteology, museum collection, specimen provenance.

This article provides a neutral overview of the term as used in informal contexts. Usage and meaning can vary by region and discipline.