‘Mummy’ Debate

Recent press reports have highlighted a trend for museums in the UK to move away from the term “mummy” when talking about ancient Egyptian human remains, instead preferring the term ‘mummified remains’ or even ‘mummified person’. The latter being HAD’s preference as it includes recognition of the existing personhood of the body.

Although not universally adopted, HAD welcomes the trend and in particular the quote from Jo Anderson, assistant keeper of archaeology at the Great North Museum – “The morals and ethics of museums displaying human remains have changed considerably over the years, especially since the beginning of the millennium”.

Read more at the Museums Association website.

Note: Egyptian ancestors fall outside HAD’s remit. Article highlighted for trends.