Glasgow’s Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum has removed Egyptian mummies and other human remains from display, citing a lack of informed consent from the dead.
The decision has sparked criticism from some politicians and education campaigners, who argue that the move prevents visitors, particularly children, from learning about ancient civilizations.
The items removed include a painted coffin containing the remains of the priest Nekht, a mummified male head, a right hand recovered from Egypt’s Valley of the Kings, and a mummified foot. Glasgow Life, the organization that manages the museum, said: “The removal of human remains from display at Glasgow Life museums reflects contemporary museum practice.” It also plans to remove mummified remains from Glasgow’s St. Mungo Museum.
The organization added that its draft Human Remains Policy proposes displaying human remains only when there is documented and informed consent from the deceased or, in appropriate circumstances, their descendants. “In the absence of such consent, we believe removing ancient Egyptian human remains from display is more respectful to the deceased individuals,” the spokesperson said.
Indeed, Ancient Egyptians preserved their dead because they believed the body needed to remain intact for the afterlife. But mummies have had many uses throughout history, some of them disturbing. Discover the surprising ways these preserved humans and animals have been used in the following gallery.