Torquay Museum
529 Babbacombe Road
Torquay
Devon
TQ1 1HG
01803293975
Website: http://www.torquaymuseum.org/
Parent Organisation:
Funded by:
Local Authority, Admission Fees, Grants and Independent Sources
YLM Entry Submitted: Yes
Comments:
How many human remains are in its collection, and how many of those are of ancient British provenance, pre-Christian or in other way Pagan?:
The museum holds approximately 335 human remains in archaeology and ethnographic collections. 94 of these belong to late Roman Christian era burial. The remainder are a mixture of Upper Palaeolithic, Mesolithic, Neolithic (some cremated), Bronze Age, Romano-Brtish and possibly medieval. 7 are Ancient Egyptian. There are still remains being documented.
Total: 335
How many of these human remains are well documented, with clear context of date and place of exhumation?:
Approximately 99% are well documented.
Where there are ancestors in store, is there a history of use?:
If they have been used in the last 15 years, there is documented history of their use.
Where there are ancestors in store, is there potential for use, in display, education or scientific analysis?
Yes, there is great potential here. Kent’s Cavern, Broadsands, Cow Cave, Hook Hills and Roccombe, have all been worked on and published in the last decade.
Does the museum have a disposal policy, and is it including HR with negligible potential in its discussions about disposal?:Yes
Yes, the museum refers to ethical guidelines on the disposal of human remains.
What sources of information about these human remains are in the public domain and where?:
Many of the human remains are published, most in proceedings of Devon Archaeological Society or Torquay Museum Society transactions. The museum’s goal is to publish information on all important holdings.
Does the museum have ancestors (human remains) on display?:Yes
Yes, KC4 – Britain’s oldest modern human remain is in a modern display with much interpretation. Also on display is a Bronze Age skull from Kent’s Cavern and Egyptian mummies.
Does the museum hold any iconic ancestors, ie. complete skeletons with a well documented story, or those considered of national or local importance, and are these on display?:
KC4 is iconic. Kent’s Cavern cut marked ulna is undergoing research in Oxford and the Natural History Museum in London. Hook Hills Late Roman Burial is in storage.
Has the museum used or considered using replicas in displays? If not, why not and what would you find useful in moving to these? If you have, what response did these receive?:
Documents:
26 August, 2008
Recent Comments