Ipswich Museum

Posted August 26th, 2008 by phl.costelloe
Location: 
High Street
Location: 
Ipswich
Location: 
IP1 3QH
Funding Organisation: 
Local Authority
YLM Questionnaire Completed: 
Yes
Human Remains Policy: 
Yes
Comment: 
Disposal Policy: 
Yes
HR On Display: 
No
HR Count: 
900
Iconic HR: 
Yes
How many human remains are in its collection, and how many of those are of ancient British provenance: 
We have 900 boxes of human remains currently entering the archive as a result of excavations in Ipswich from 1973-2000. We have yet to receive the documentary archive to confirm the number of individuals or the periods of the excavations. From basic knowledge the majority will be Christian though there is at least one Pagan Anglo-Saxon cemetery site. Material prior to 1973 is less well documented and we are currently undergoing a thorough review of our archives to compile a definitive list. We have already identified 43 individuals( with little or no provenance). Other remains are likely to include Roman pagan period burials and pagan Anglo-Saxon burials. There is one Neolithic burial that I am aware of.
How many of these human remains are well documented, with clear context of date and place of exhumation?: 
The 900 boxes entering the archive will be well documented with clear contextual information. Pre 1973 material is less well documented but will have basic information on site and date of excavation. Ipswich have stated that they are fully committed to cataloguing their human remains but that this process will take some time.
Where there are human remains in store, is there a history of use?: 
Yes
Where there are human remains in store, is there potential for use, in display, education or scientific analysis?: 
Yes
Does the museum have a disposal policy, and is it including HR with negligible potential in its discussions about disposal?: 
Yes
What sources of information about these human remains are in the public domain and where?: 
Currently none of the Ipswich Collections, human remains or otherwise, is in the public domain in terms of web access. All collections can be accessed by enquirers. The work we are currently undertaking will be made accessible on the museum webpage once complete.
Are any of these remains currently on display and in what context?: 
There are currently no human remains of British pagan or Christian origin on display in the museum.
Does the museum hold any iconic HR, i.e. figures of local or national importance, and are these on display?: 
Yes. The mummy of Lady Tahathor is on display in the Egyptian Gallery.