Replica Skeletons

Using replica skeletons in displays

Honouring the Ancient Dead (HAD) believes that it is wrong to display skeletons of dead human beings.  The dead deserve the same level of respect that is given to the living.  While it is often felt to be important to display ‘the real thing’, the need to treat the dead with respect means this can be inappropriate.

If a museum or attraction decides it would like to remove genuine bones from display or to exhibit them without using the original ones, it is often held back by lack of knowledge about the cost of alternatives.  In order to support the decision, here is what might be involved in replacing a real skeleton with a replica. Every display is different, and so costs will vary accordingly, and 2021 prices are suggested here. Options also vary depending on whether the skeleton is in itself unusual, or if it has one or more unique characteristics that make it important to create an exact copy.

If the original bones are not unusual, basic life-size plastic anatomical skeletons could be used. These often come either on a stand or as disarticulated parts. They are easily available to buy on-line, and there is huge choice. Most cost less than £500, but better quality or female ones often cost a bit more.  They are usually a pale cream colour- which may or may not be appropriate, and ‘life size’ might mean up to 180 cms high. Research would be needed to find the right one- search ‘anatomical skeletons to buy’.

Displays can be created by the museum or attraction itself or a design company. Specialist modelmakers might also be commissioned to make, provide or present individual exhibits. This could increase the costs, depending on how much work needed to be done. For instance they could ‘customise’ it by adjusting the colour, or individual elements. 

Alternatively, there are companies that provide unique 3D replicas created by scanning the actual skeleton. A basic 3D print-out with hand finished details could cost £5000-£10000.  If a higher level of sophistication were required, the cost could be over £20,000, but this might not necessary.

https://www.codsteaks.com Cod Steaks Bristol and https://unusualprojects.uk Unusual Projects Ltd. York are both able to produce replicas.

How HAD can support you:

Although we cannot offer financial support, from our point of view the use of replicas is a really important initiative which we would endorse enthusiastically.  From our bank of experience and knowledge, HAD can advise and provide help in various aspects of the process. For instance, we could provide a letter of support to go with any funding application.

Suggested next steps:

Step 1: Gain approval from your governing body and hold a consultation on whether the appropriate community wishes to see the skeleton taken off display.

Step 2: If supported by consultation, plan the reburial (preferably following HAD’s guidelines). The cost of digging a grave and other related activities and events could add £0-£6000 onto the budget.  Hold the reburial soon after the replica is installed and communicate this clearly. Some museums would prefer to keep the original bones in store for scientific or other reasons. HAD would encourage any consultation process to includes discussion of options for reburial.

Step 3: Install the replica, have an event launch, and announce the date for the reburial event. Run an activity programme. The cost of a burial container, a plot, digging and other related activities and events could add up to £6000 to the cost.  However, HAD can provide advice as to how these costs can be reduced, sometimes to zero.

Suggested Funding Sources:

The cheapest options could cost under £10k. Since the consultation, re-display and subsequent reburial would be a good way of engaging communities and increasing visitors, it is possible that funding organisations such as The National Lottery Heritage Fund might support this type of project.