Over 250,000 human remains from various global origins are currently housed in UK museums, prompting calls for ethical reconsideration from both Members of Parliament (MPs) and archaeologists. This situation is viewed as a troubling reminder of the colonial legacy that persists in the country.
A recent investigation revealed that British institutions collectively possess more than 263,000 items, which include complete skeletons, preserved bodies such as Egyptian mummies, and various body parts like skulls and teeth. The collection raises significant ethical questions regarding the treatment and storage of these remains.
Freedom of information requests indicate that around 37,000 of these remains are identified as having come from overseas, with a substantial number originating from former British colonies. Notably, 11,856 items are from Africa, 9,550 from Asia, and smaller numbers from other regions.
The Natural History Museum in London holds the largest collection of non-European human remains, totaling at least 11,215 items, while Cambridge University follows closely with around 8,740 items, primarily from Africa.
Across the UK, 241 institutions reported holding human remains, but only 100 could estimate the total number of individuals represented, which amounts to approximately 79,000. Many institutions struggle with incomplete records, leading to cases where remains are stored without proper documentation.
This situation has drawn sharp criticism from figures such as Lord Paul Boateng, who described these institutions as "imperial charnel houses," emphasizing the need for respect towards the spiritual beliefs of the communities from which these remains were taken.
Bell Ribeiro-Addy, a Labour MP, echoed these sentiments, labeling the current practices as "barbaric" and highlighting the disrespectful manner in which many remains are stored. The lack of transparency surrounding these collections contradicts previous government statements asserting that most human remains in British museums were of local origin.
Dan Hicks, a professor at the University of Oxford, argues that many remains were taken under dubious circumstances, often from cemeteries or battlefields, and kept as trophies or for discredited scientific purposes. He asserts that institutions are failing to adhere to existing guidelines that mandate respectful handling and storage of human remains.
In response to these findings, Boateng has advocated for the establishment of a national register of human remains and clearer protocols for their repatriation. The Museums Association has acknowledged the historical context of these collections and suggests that updated guidelines could facilitate collaboration with communities seeking the return of their ancestral remains.
The Natural History Museum asserts its commitment to high standards of care for its collections and has not denied any repatriation requests linked to specific communities. Similarly, Cambridge's Duckworth Laboratory claims to adhere to government guidance regarding the management of human remains.
This ongoing dialogue highlights a significant shift towards ethical stewardship in the museum sector, paving the way for a future that respects cultural heritage and promotes healing through repatriation.