Kennewick Man talks

Finally, Kennewick Man is talking — or at least his bones are. Some of the nation's leading bone decoders are working at the Burke Museum to understand the story of the man who died on the shores of the Columbia River 9,300 years ago.

One forensic anthropologist expert on bone fractures is trying to determine how the skeleton broke out of the bank near Kennewick, another expert is scrutinizing the staining and mineral deposits of the bones. It is like "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation" on steroids. Though the bones were discovered nine years ago this month, the scientists are getting their first, extensive look at Kennewick Man.

The scientists want to shed light on the life of Kennewick Man, his death and what happened to his remains over the last nine millennia. They know he walked around for years with a spear tip in his hip, but they hope to understand whether he was buried deliberately or covered by a flood or dust.

The first 10 days of study, begun last week, will be followed by another session within a few months. By the end, the scientists will write Kennewick Man's story into the North American history book. The knowledge gained might help link Kennewick Man and his ancestors to a different part of the world, shedding light on early American immigration.

It is a story that is 9,300 years in the making.