Leicester Arts and Museums Service
Posted August 26th, 2008 by phl.costelloe
Location:
A12, New Walk CentreLocation:
LeicesterLocation:
Welford PlaceLocation:
LE1 6ZGFunding Organisation:
Local AuthorityYLM Questionnaire Completed:
YesHuman Remains Policy:
YesHR Policy Link:
Leicester PolicyDisposal Policy:
YesHR On Display:
YesHR Count:
1000How many human remains are in its collection, and how many of those are of ancient British provenance:
Many pre-Christian remains, estimates currently stand at up to 1000 individuals.
How many of these human remains are well documented, with clear context of date and place of exhumation?:
Some are, some are not – it is hoped this will be resolved with a collections care project during this financial year (2007-08).
Where there are human remains in store, is there a history of use?:
No.
Where there are human remains in store, is there potential for use, in display, education or scientific analysis?:
Not currently catalogued.
Does the museum have a disposal policy, and is it including HR with negligible potential in its discussions about disposal?:
This is covered in our human remains policy.
What sources of information about these human remains are in the public domain and where?:
Our Human Remains Policy is on the HAD website. Nothing is currently on the council website.
Are any of these remains currently on display and in what context?:
Yes, there are a number of human remains on display from Iron Age to Roman in date. Some are sensitively done, with excellent interpretation which gives the visitor a real sense of the lives of the person they are seeing.
What is your opinion, and that of other Pagans or local community, of this display?:
Two displays I am unhappy with – where disarticulated Roman remains are displayed together as purely pathological examples and a spinning iron age skull. I have currently not yet had the opportunity to consult the community about these displays, although there are almost unanimously favourable comments about them in our comments books and visitor surveys.
Does the museum hold any iconic HR, i.e. figures of local or national importance, and are these on display?:
Yes, in particular the Glen Parva Lady.
Human remains policy still in draft but certainly the most sensitively compiled of the documents. Comprehensive coverage of all key Issues and strong on the museums duty to the public, it promotes inclusion of the local communities in decision making.