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Displaying Human Remains In Italy, Why It Matters To Italian Museums: Research, Ethics, And Repatriation, Vincent Barraza
Displaying Human Remains In Italy, Why It Matters To Italian Museums: Research, Ethics, And Repatriation, Vincent Barraza
Vincent Barraza
Looking critically at museum collections in Italy exhibiting human remains, this paper examines current display practices and techniques, cultural views on displaying the dead, and explores the controversial topic of “Human Remains vs. Historical Object.” This paper compares the scientific benefits of collecting, analyzing, displaying human remains, in concert with a cultural and physical anthropological analysis, including cultural identity and viewer interpretation. It argues the ethical and moral issues associated with the exposition of human remains for their historical, scientific or entertainment value. Finally, it explores the principles behind repatriation, including a discussion on ownership and assessing claims to human …