SESSION A @ 1150

To display or not to display: the ethics of displaying ancient Egyptian mummified people 

This paper aims to unpack some of the recent debate between museum professionals and Egyptologists regarding a number of ethical views about ancient Egyptian mummified people. These issues range from the use of the term “mummy” to the display and repatriation. Many questions were raised recently about the ethics of some research projects conducted on these mummified persons. This paper will explore how museums in Scotland can present “the Bigger Picture” about Egyptian culture both ancient and modern. It will also discuss how are we as museum professionals can challenge ourselves to form connections with a diverse audience including Egyptian diaspora in Scotland.  

Speakers Bio

Abeer Eladany, University of Aberdeen, Curatorial Assistant  

I am a museum professional, an Egyptologist and an archaeologist. I recently became interested in museum ethics especially regarding decolonisation, the display of human remains and repatriation. I am a member of Empire, Slavery and Scotland’s Museums steering group which published recommendations for museums in Scotland in June 2022.