Conservá-las em museus quando de interesse scientifico: a coleção de remanescentes humanos na trajetória do Museu Técnico Científico do Instituto Oscar Freire (MTCIOF)

Abstract

This article draws on historical literature on forensic medicine, the musealization of human remains, and institutional documentation to elucidate the role of the Scientific Technical Museum of the Oscar Freire Institute as a pedagogical resource in shaping the medical-legal specialty in São Paulo during the 20th century. By tracing the institutional trajectory of the museum alongside the history of Forensic Medicine at the institute, it prompts reflection on the ethical implications of housing human remains in museum collections. To effectively preserve, recover, research and display this collection, a comprehensive understanding of its material culture is crucial. The article underscores the ethical imperative of crafting a museum narrative capable of sensitively addressing themes while ensuring the dignity of the people represented by these remnants. Historical context and conservation efforts are therefore essential components of this endeavor. Ultimately, by developing historically informed biographies of musealized human remains, we can strive to safeguard both their material integrity and their dignity.