Case Studies Introduction

    When discussing human remains on display in institutions, it is important to look at what is being displayed as well as where. Mummies, bog bodies, and cadavers all serve different purposes when displayed, and the museums that display them have different purposes also. Looking at international and national museums and comparing their policies regarding human remains curation will allow for a deeper understanding of how various institutions approach the ethical, legal, and cultural complexities surrounding the handling of human remains.

    For the national museum, I will be looking at the Mutter museum in Philadelphia as they have an extensive medical collection. Recently they have been in the news for the displaying of remains, particularly those of indigenous descent which is subject for repatriation. There is the American Alliance for Museums which set policies and talks of restitution and repatriation for human remains following NAGPRA. Human remains are also supposed to be taken care of with "dignity and respect" which is the first line discussed under the Human Remains Curation section, but one can argue (me) the dignified response to acquiring human remains is to not display them. This museum and the code of ethics will be compared to the international museums Museo Egizio in Torino, Italy and the Hungarian Museum of London, England. 

There is lots more to discuss next time including details on the international museums! See you then.