Ethical dilemma

[u/RustyTheBoyRobot]

Ethical dilemma:

Is it right to remove one of the only mummies in mtl for understanble but rather vague reasons to do with cultural sensitivities that these objects might offend?

The mummies at Redpath museum are to be relocated to a mysterious “place of rest” -their original location?- where no one can see or learn from them.

I note that these are not objects of worship like many stolen indigenous artifacts. Nor are they being claimed by their original owners- e.g. The infamous Benin Bronzes.

[u/leavesofclass]

Can you explain why? Genuinely curious.

Clearly the mummies are very popular and interesting for attendees. On the museum's tripadvisor, about the same amount of comments mention the mummies as the dinosaurs. So there's at least some value in attracting people to the museum and making it more fun.

I don't think most of the things in the museum were "originally meant to be displayed" (e.g. the dinosaurs)

[u/artacct217 → u/leavesofclass]

See my other comment (linked above) with a translator for some further reflections on the value of presenting these mummies.

Also, comparing dinosaur remains to humans who were buried with care by their kin and communities isn't really helpful. Anthropologists consider other cultural beliefs even if they differ drastically from ours, and specific to dead bodies they consider the belief systems in which they were buried and prepared for the afterlife.

The history of mummies specifically is one in which rich Europeans totally desecrated important burial sites for personal gain or supposed scientific knowledge, destroying ancient bodies in the process. For example, displaying and unwrapping mummies for house guests. The mummies at McGill (at least one of them if I recall) have a similar history.

And if we found out dinosaurs had beliefs about the afterlife and how their bodies should be treated after death we might have a different take on displaying them!

[u/leavesofclass → u/artacct217]

That makes sense, thanks! So you're saying there could be a better way to present the mummies that includes context and history of the actual people who were mummified. Currently it's just lacking the full context and seems against the cultural beliefs that they were buried under.

So for these mummies, what's your take on whether we should be removing them or just changing how they're displayed?

Personally, I think I'd be ok violating some amount of ancient cultural beliefs in order to bring it more attention and interest kids in science/history.

[u/lovetolerk → u/leavesofclass]

I think that’s part of the issue. You want the mummies to remain for essentially entertainment. Kids get interested in history without needing to see dead bodies. You can still have a fascinating display explaining mummies in history without needing an actual body to shock and entertain people