The British Museum Policy On Human Remains Analysis

The British Museum is a well written open-to-the-public policy that seems spot on when it comes to defining their understanding of the term “human remains” and the conditions for transferring remains however they were vague in their intentions . It seems like museum’s main intention of this policy is to avoid any future legal issues.

This policy reminded me of the article “Curiosity cabinet”, where human remains would be pickled or displayed for art. In the British museum it is depicted that human remains are displayed for educational purposes. However, after reading the policy several questions came up. It seems like the remains are being treated as objects rather actual humans. In Section 5.6 it states,  “Museum will remind researchers of their ethical obligations with regard to human remains.”  Why would they have to be reminded ? and what are their ethical obligations?