In March, a Guardian investigation revealed that UK museums hold more than 263,000 items of human remains, many of which are poorly documented and, according to academic Dan Hicks, don’t meet government guidance for the care of remains.
During the consultation on the updated Museums Association Code of Ethics, concern was expressed about the way in which some institutions hold human remains. The new code calls on museums to be clear about why they hold these items and to take an open, proactive and positive approach to repatriation. Our Supporting Decolonisation in Museums also provides guidance on caring for colonial-era items and beginning the return process.
For this ethical and restorative work to take place, we must understand what we have in our collections and start conversations with stakeholders about how these collections are best looked after.
Work is already under way. Museums Galleries Scotland’s steering group on repatriation is devising new guidance, and a Scotland-wide mapping project of Caribbean and African objects has begun.
A coordinated approach across the UK is needed, with funding for research and relationship building, so collections can be cared for in the appropriate place with the dignity and respect that they deserve.
Sharon Heal is the director of the Museums Association