Museum display of human remains

Displaying human remains in museums currently is a much discussed topic both within museums and society. Do we display human remains in a museum or not? In what context? Which factors and voices are involved in this? These and other questions are part of the debate and mapping the answers helps to have a nuanced conversation with respect for all opinions.

Present perspective

For the collections of the Allard Pierson this is also a relevant topic. Presently, two ancient Egyptian mummified bodies are on display in the exhibition Face to Face. The people behind mummy portraits and in the semi-permanent display From the Nile to the Amstel (Journey through the Underworld). After weighing the arguments a choice was made to display the mummified body of a young child with portrait still attached in the exhibition Face to Face. An important argument was illustrating the use of these portraits: fastened over the face of the mummy, not only making this person recognizable to gods and relatives of the deceased, but also to achieve a divine status. A second argument was the recent research into this mummified body which provided valuable insights in the mummification process. To display the mummy in a respectful manner the Allard Pierson carefully shaped the graphic design of the surroundings in the exhibition, but also provided to the museum visitor a choice to see or not see the mummified child.

Dialogue

Displaying human remains, but also the way human remains in the museum depot are treated, is a continuous conversation which has been developing strongly the last few years. Choices that we make today (or made yesterday), are not necessarily the same choices we may make in the future. Like other museums the Allard Pierson choses to be in continuous dialogue with society and the communities involved, and evaluate which route is appropriate and respectful. Because this is a dialogue and a process, it is possible that even within the museum building there is not (yet) a consistent adherence to the current perspective.

Contact

Do you have questions, remarks or feedback on the display of human remains after your visit or in general? Please contact the curator Collection Ancient Egypt and Sudan (b.j.l.vandenbercken@uva.nl) or our infodesk (info@allardpierson.nl)