The Egyptian mummy in UK museums: cultural histories and object biographies

Abstract

Egyptian mummies are at the centre of attention of most Egyptology collections. Their dual nature as bodies (human remains) and artefacts make them peculiar museum objects and, consequently, they have been left out of the debate concerning the collection, retention and display of human remains. This paper aims to reinvigorate the debate over the display of Egyptian mummies in museums by addressing three points: the ‘object habits’ of collectors which led to the building up of mummy collections, the specificity of mummies and how it has been addressed by UK museum authorities, and finally, the new modes of display, making a case for a better understanding of human remains collections through the use of object biographies.