Glasgow Museums Withdraw Human Remains from Display Amid Ethical Reassessment

Two museums in Glasgow have removed the mummified remains of ancient Egyptians from public display due to ethical concerns. Kelvingrove Gallery took the remains of the priest Nekht out of view, while The Hunterian Museum covered the body of Lady Shep-En-Hor with a textile.

These decisions follow a reassessment of the institutions' duty of care towards the deceased, influenced by the International Council of Museums' revised code of ethics. This code recommends upholding the "inherent dignity" of human remains. Both museums indicated a willingness to consider repatriation if approached by a country or institution.

Glasgow Life, which operates Kelvingrove, stated that the withdrawal of Nekht's remains, originally donated in 1923, was made "in the absence of consent from the deceased individual or their ancestors." A spokesperson for Glasgow Life added that this action "reflected contemporary museum practice" and that a new draft policy proposes displaying human remains only with documented and informed consent from the deceased or their descendants. The museum also removed a mummified male head, right foot, and right hand from Luxor from public view, asserting that removing these remains from display is "more respectful to the deceased individuals."

The Hunterian, managed by the University of Glasgow, consulted with Egyptologists before deciding to protect Lady Shep-En-Hor's remains as part of a commitment to ethical practices. Her ornate sarcophagus, on display since 1820, will remain visible as a significant example of ancient Egyptian funerary art, but the remains within have been covered. The museum noted that there have been historical questions regarding the identity of the remains within Lady Shep-En-Hor's coffin, as 19th-century excavators occasionally moved remains between coffins.

The revised Icom code of ethics, updated in June, advises museums to "uphold the inherent dignity of human remains and promote respect for their significance" and to make decisions in collaboration with descendants or originating communities when known. However, Professor Steph Scholten, a member of the Icom ethics committee, emphasized that the code serves as guidance, not a mandate, and that final decisions rest with individual institutions. He clarified that the code does not prescribe a uniform outcome, such as the removal of all human remains from display.

National Museums Scotland (NMS) has indicated it is not currently considering changes to its display policies for human remains, which include ancient Egyptian and Peruvian mummies, as well as Scottish archaeological remains. This highlights a lack of a uniform approach across Scotland's museum sector regarding the implementation of the revised ethical guidelines.