Scottish cultural institutions remove ancient human remains from display due to new ethical guidelines regarding consent.
Two museums in Glasgow, Scotland, have removed Egyptian mummies from public view. The decision was implemented because of an absence of consent from the deceased individuals, marking a major shift in how cultural institutions handle human artifacts, according to information published by dexerto.
The policy change follows a revised Code of Ethics published in June 2026 by the International Council of Museums. This updated framework emphasizes the need for museums to uphold the inherent dignity of human remains and promote respect for their historical significance.
Glasgow Life, the charitable organization managing the affected venues, stated that the ongoing disregard for the wishes of ancient ancestors triggered these ethical concerns. Consequently, curators acted to remove the sensitive displays in consultation with parliamentary groups focused on African repatriation.
Removal of the Priest Nekht at Kelvingrove Art Museum
At the Kelvingrove Art Museum and Gallery, curators removed the mummified corpse of the priest Nekht from public exhibition. Historical records suggest that Nekht lived between 1985 and 1797 BC, making his remains thousands of years old.
According to statements from Glasgow Life, the absolute absence of consent from the deceased individual or their modern descendants motivated this specific removal. Parliamentary groups on African repatriation previously highlighted ethical concerns regarding the ongoing display of such ancient ancestors.
The Hunterian Museum Covers Lady Shep-En-Hor
At The Hunterian Museum, staff adopted a different approach by covering the corpse of Lady Shep-En-Hor in a special textile. This protective covering prevents visitors from viewing the human remains directly, while her ornate sarcophagus remains visible to the public.
Professor Steph Scholten, a member of the ethics committee for the International Council of Museums, explained that the revised code serves strictly as guidance. He noted that the final decision regarding human remains rests entirely with each individual museum.
Understanding the New Museum Code of Ethics
The updated guidelines from the International Council of Museums do not mandate the complete removal of all human remains worldwide. Instead, institutions like Kelvingrove and The Hunterian have evaluated their collections and arrived at slightly different outcomes.
Cultural leaders continue to debate the future of ancient artifacts as ethics committees push for greater respect regarding burial wishes. Museums globally are now reevaluating their display policies to align with modern standards of human dignity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Glasgow museums remove Egyptian mummies?
Glasgow museums removed Egyptian mummies because of an absence of consent from the deceased individuals, following revised ethical guidelines from the International Council of Museums.
Which museums in Glasgow removed their mummies?
The Kelvingrove Art Museum and Gallery removed the mummy of the priest Nekht, while The Hunterian Museum covered the remains of Lady Shep-En-Hor with a special textile.
What does the new International Council of Museums code state?
The revised code of ethics states that museums should uphold the inherent dignity of human remains and promote respect for their significance.
Are all human remains being taken off display globally?
No, the code of ethics provides guidance rather than a strict mandate, meaning the final decision for each museum ultimately rests with the institution itself.
