The detailed inventory and assessment of the human remains and associated funerary objects from the Dorchester burials was made by Dr. Michael F. Gibbons, Jr. of the Department of Anthropology, University of Massachusetts, Boston, MA, in consultation with representatives of the Nipmuc Tribal Council. Osteological documentation of the remains indicates they are Native American. All four burials were found within the boundaries of the l7th century Indian Praying Town of Okommakamesit. These traits are consistent with data from other Praying Indian mortuary sites in Massachusetts. The location and mortuary treatment argue strongly that these individuals were associated with the Okommakamesit Praying Town.
Cultural affiliation is difficult to determine for the occupants of the Praying Towns.
Due to tremendous population loss and mixing during the l7th century, the cultural affiliation of the residents was not clear even at the time this Praying Town was occupied. Based on available sources, however, Nipmuc is the most appropriate tribal group. It is the considered opinion of the Massachusetts Commission on Indian Affairs that the Nipmuc are the most appropriate claimants. 749-4490, before August 16, 1992.