"The investigation found that 241 UK museums held significant collections of human remains, including 28,914 items confirmed to originate from outside Europe, prompting concern among experts."
"The majority of the remains acquired outside Europe, totaling 11,856, originated in Africa, with nearly 10,000 from Asia, while items from Oceania, North America, and South America were less common."
"The Natural History Museum maintains 11,856 of these remains, claiming most were acquired through donations in the 1800s and mid-1900s, coinciding with the height of British colonial power."
"The NHM acknowledges that some items were acquired through 'unacceptable' practices and now considers 'ethical perspectives' when reviewing proposals to work with these collections."
An investigation reveals that UK museums possess more than 263,000 human remains, with 241 institutions holding significant collections. Of these, 28,914 items are confirmed to originate from outside Europe, primarily from former British colonies. The Natural History Museum in London and the Duckworth Collections at Cambridge University house the majority of these remains. The NHM acquired many items during the height of British colonialism, acknowledging some were obtained through unacceptable practices, and now considers ethical perspectives in its operations.
Read at Hyperallergic
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