| |
| author |
Elizabeth Shack
| | title |
Skeletons in our Closets: The Ethics of Displaying Human Remains in Museums - Case Studies of the British Museum, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Musée de l'Homme
| | abstract |
This thesis addresses the changing ethical standards regarding human remains in
museums and, subsequently, the museums' role to adhere to best practices. I specifically evaluate
the possession and display of non-western human remains by three western museums: The
British Museum, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Musée de l'Homme. Throughout
each case study, I discuss the institution's ownership and display of human remains in relation to
the mission statement, the history of the museum, and any national law which is relevant to the
museum. I evaluate specific instances where human remains are on display, and suggest
improvements which would advocate for a more respectful viewing experience. The display of
human remains in museums has been normalized; museums do not make a distinction between
human remains and other museum objects. In a museum setting, human remains are no longer
associated with their original cultural and/or funerary context.
| | school |
The College of Liberal Arts, Drew University
| | degree |
B.A. (2023)
|
| advisor |
Dr. Maria Masucci
Dr. Margaret Kuntz
Dr. Marie-Pascal Pierretti
|
| full text | EShack.pdf |
| |
