A newly revealed scale of human remains held in UK museums is prompting calls for repatriation and a reckoning with the legacy of colonialism. An investigation found that UK institutions hold over 263,000 items of human remains sourced from around the world, encompassing everything from complete skeletons to fragments of skin, teeth, and hair.
Extent of the Collections
Freedom of Information requests revealed that approximately 37,000 of these items are known to originate from overseas, with another 16,000 of unknown provenance. Of the 28,914 items with known non-European origins, the largest numbers come from Africa (11,856), Asia (9,550), Oceania (3,252), North America (2,276), and South America (1,980).
The Natural History Museum in London currently holds the largest collection of non-European human remains, with at least 11,215 items. The University of Cambridge possesses the second-largest collection, with at least 8,740 items housed in its Duckworth laboratory, including the largest known collection (6,223) originating from Africa.
Data revealed that of 241 museums, universities, and councils, only 100 could provide a specific or estimated number of individuals represented in their collections, totaling around 79,334 people. Many institutions admitted to lacking detailed records, with some holding remains in unmarked boxes.
Calls for Change
The findings have sparked criticism from MPs and archaeologists, who describe the collections as a “shameful legacy of colonialism” and, in some cases, “sacrilegious.” Lord Paul Boateng characterized UK museums and universities as “imperial charnel houses.”
Bell Ribeiro-Addy, MP and chair of the all-party parliamentary group for Afrikan reparations, stated that the warehousing of unidentified remains in boxes is “barbaric” and suggests a potential “crime.” She emphasized the lack of dignity afforded to the deceased.
Experts note that the findings challenge a 2005 claim by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) that the “vast majority” of human remains in UK museums are of UK origin. Professor Dan Hicks of the University of Oxford explained that many remains were acquired as “macabre trophies” or used in discredited racial pseudoscience.
What Happens Next?
the pressure for change will lead to increased scrutiny of museum collections and a push for greater transparency. Updated guidance or legislation regarding the ethical treatment of human remains could be considered. Museums may face growing demands to repatriate remains to their countries of origin, though the process of identifying and returning remains could be complex and lengthy. A national register of human remains, as suggested by Lord Boateng, could also be established.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many human remains are held in UK museums?
UK museums hold more than 263,000 items of human remains from around the world.
Where do the majority of these remains originate?
Of the remains with known non-European origins, the largest numbers come from Africa (11,856) and Asia (9,550).
What is being done about the situation?
MPs and archaeologists are calling for repatriation and a review of the ethical implications of holding these remains, with some suggesting a national register and mandatory guidelines for return.
What further steps should be taken to address the ethical concerns surrounding the display and storage of human remains in UK museums?
