Scottish Museum Faces Backlash Over Removal of Mummies Due to 'Lack of Consent'

Glasgow's Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum has drawn criticism for removing several mummified human remains from display, citing a lack of consent from the deceased individuals. The decision, which aligns with updated ethical guidelines from the International Council of Museums, has been labeled "woke nonsense" and "virtue-signalling" by some cultural commentators and politicians.

New signage at the museum reportedly states that human remains have been removed "as a mark of respect." Among the items no longer on public view are a mummified male head, a mummified foot, a mummified hand recovered from Luxor, Egypt, and the remains of an individual identified as a priest named Nekt.

Glasgow Life, the non-profit organization overseeing the city's cultural institutions, explained that its draft Human Remains Policy proposes displaying such artifacts only with documented, informed consent from the deceased or their descendants. "In the absence of such consent, we believe removing ancient Egyptian human remains from display is more respectful to the deceased individuals," a spokesperson stated. This move reflects what Glasgow Life describes as "contemporary museum practice."

The decision has provoked a strong reaction from some members of the public and cultural figures. Chris McGovern, chairman of the Campaign for Real Education, called the move "educational stupidity and ignorance," arguing that it's impossible to seek consent from individuals who died millennia ago. "Visitors to Scottish museums, children in particular, deserve better — they are being short-changed," McGovern said, advocating for respectful display practices akin to those in Egypt.

Scottish Conservative culture spokesman Murdo Fraser echoed these sentiments, characterizing the removal as a symptom of "PC culture run amok." He suggested that society has "lost all sense of perspective" and that museums should be showcasing history rather than hiding it to appease current ideological standards. "Glasgow's museums should be showcasing our history, not quietly removing it to appease the latest trend in political correctness," Fraser stated.

Some visitors expressed disappointment, with one parent noting on social media that the removal deprived his daughter of an educational experience related to her interest in ancient Egyptians. Another social media user lamented what they perceived as an "HR-ification" of society.

Glasgow Life indicated that further removals of human remains from display are planned at both Kelvingrove and the St. Mungo Museum of Religious Art and Life.