Manchester Museum Seeks Public Input on Display of Ancient Egyptian Body

Manchester Museum, renowned for its extensive collection of artifacts, is engaging visitors in a significant consultation regarding the future display of the mummified body of Asru, an ancient Egyptian woman who lived approximately 2,700 years ago in Thebes, modern-day Luxor. This initiative is part of a broader effort to 'decolonize' museum exhibits and address the complex legacy of colonialism within cultural institutions.

Asru's body has been on display for nearly two centuries, following its acquisition by cotton merchants Robert and William Garnett in the 19th century. According to Campbell Price, a curator at the Manchester Museum, the Garnetts were descendants of a trader in enslaved African people. They donated Asru's remains to the Manchester Natural History Society, which later evolved into the Manchester Museum. The museum's consultation invites visitors to express their views on whether Asru's body should remain on display, reflecting a growing sensitivity toward the ethical implications of exhibiting human remains.

The museum's efforts are underscored by a recent report from the all-party parliamentary group for Afrikan reparations, which advocated for a ban on the sale and public display of ancestral remains without consent. This report indicates a shifting perspective within the UK regarding the treatment of historical artifacts obtained during colonial times. Chloe Cousins, the museum's social justice manager, emphasized that while the consultation is new, the concept of decolonizing museum narratives is not. 'Telling more accurate and nuanced accounts of the history of the collections is one of the ways we can care for the people and communities whose belongings, stories, and histories are held here,' Cousins stated.

The consultation is part of the museum's larger 'Decolonise! Trail,' which aims to challenge traditional Eurocentric narratives by showcasing items from Africa and Asia alongside contemporary artworks that provide alternative perspectives. The trail includes provocative questions such as 'Should a desire for knowledge override the wishes of ancient cultures?' and 'What is climate justice?' This initiative seeks to engage the public in critical discussions about the historical context of museum collections and the ethics of their presentation.

Asru’s story, marked by her affluent status and connection to historical figures in ancient Egypt, raises important questions about representation and the ongoing impact of colonial histories in modern institutions. The decision to involve visitors in the discussion about her display underscores a broader trend in the museum sector towards inclusivity and ethical responsibility in representing diverse histories. The outcome of this consultation could set a precedent for how museums handle similar issues in the future, potentially leading to significant changes in the way cultural heritage is preserved and presented.

As discussions around cultural heritage and restitution gain momentum, the Manchester Museum's approach serves as an important case study in the evolving landscape of museum practices. The implications of such decisions extend beyond the walls of the museum, reflecting broader societal shifts in understanding the legacies of colonialism and the ethical treatment of historical artifacts.