Our ethical code makes us responsible to our visitors

Ballymacombs More Woman is the first authenticated prehistoric bog-preserved individual found in Northern Ireland, confirmed to have lived during the iron age. 

Staff from a horticultural company found the remains in October 2023, while working in bogland in the townland of Ballymacombs More. The find was initially reported to the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), but when the remains were dated to the prehistoric period, National Museums NI was notified and investigations began. 

As museum professionals, we understood how a thorough research process would be required to ensure that this discovery was managed professionally and ethically, so that the valuable story of this individual was unlocked. Research has provided new insights into this remarkable discovery, telling us information about the sex of the individual, age and cause of death. The initial findings of this study – which has involved collaboration with archaeological and forensic partners across Europe – indicate that she may be part of a pattern of ritual and sacrifice during the iron age period. 

Soon after the remains were dated, and their significance became clear, the PSNI wished to share the story of the discovery and the part they played in it. Guided by their own standards and ethical codes, but unaware of those we adhere to in museums, they went public with the story, including imagery of the remains.

While this was disappointing, Ballymacombs More Woman was not yet in our care and we could not insist on adherence to our human remains policy. The attitude of the PSNI and the media to this young woman, and their lack of awareness of the sensitivities associated with such finds, was a wake-up call to us about the disconnect between museum theory and practice and wider society. So when we went live with our own story in February 2025, we identified an opportunity to better explain, educate and, hopefully, encourage greater empathy.

We found journalists to be genuinely curious about the evolving ethical approach to human remains within museums, and they asked us many questions. This was encouraging, but when they went on to use images of the human remains, against our wishes, we realised we had more work to do. Each time we were interviewed, we ensured we came back to our human remains policy and the importance of ethics in guiding our practice. In Northern Ireland, this was the first time we had been as direct about this within the media context, so it’s no surprise that levels of understanding and support were mixed. 

Ballymacombs More Woman offers a glimpse into the lives of the people of our ancient past and insights into iron age society. As research continues, we have proactively sought opportunities to share our work and highlight the debate about human remains in museums. We feel we have a responsibility to bring our audiences with us, as we share the story in ways that are enlightening but respectful. We must not forget that there is a human being at the centre of this story – an individual not so different from us. 

Niamh Baker is a curator of archaeology at National Museums NI and Hannah Crowdy is the head of curatorial at National Museums NI