H/T: Frank Kitman
Museums are hiding away mummies and human remains for fear of offending pagans and other minority groups, it has been revealed.
They are putting up warning signs, closing previously opened coffins and displaying exhibits in darkened cases.
This is despite the fact that such displays are among the most popular attractions.
The move is designed to give the skeletons and mummies ‘privacy’ and to avoid upsetting faith groups and even some museum staff, according to academic findings.
Research shows how 17 museums have drafted policies on human remains, with most advocating that signs are put up to warn visitors of their presence.
Manchester University Museum’s policy requires consultation before displaying human remains, particularly with what it calls ‘marginalised communities and faith groups’.
At the insistence of a pagan group called Honouring the Ancient Dead, it removed the head of an Iron Age bog body – the skull of Worsley Man, which was found buried near Manchester 50 years ago – from display.
It also covered up the unwrapped mummy of Asru, the partially-wrapped mummy of Khary, and a child mummy with sheets. The three mummies were uncovered only after a public protest.
Meanwhile, the Egypt gallery at Bristol City Museum and Art Gallery has changed its display of Egyptian human remains.
Instead of the previous display of mummies in open coffins, it now exhibits them with half closed lids, which it considers more respectful.
