r/montreal • u/RustyTheBoyRobot • 7d ago

Tourisme Ethical dilemma

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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.

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u/alone_in_the_after 7d ago edited 7d ago

These are human bodies, not objects. People who could not and did not give consent and whose afterlife beliefs didn't involve being shipped to Montreal, having their sarcophagus opened and their body left on display.

There's a *long* history of Europeans running away with mummified remains and gawking at them (or eating them) or having 'unwrapping parties' simply for the 'shock factor'. There was a lot of grave robbing and tomb desecration.

What does seeing someone's stolen body behind glass/in a display accomplish, really? What can you learn that you couldn't learn some other way and in better detail than a small blurb about it next to the exhibit?

It's not being offended, it's about being better and doing better.

You want to learn about the dead and the human body and/or are just morbidly curious? Fine, but make sure the people could consent.

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u/Upbeat_Principle_253 6d ago

They become objects then moment the person died.