Glasgow museums remove mummified remains from public view

Glasgow Life, which manages Kelvingrove, said it had taken the decision to remove the painted coffin containing the remains of Nekht in the “absence of consent from the deceased individual or their ancestors”.

Nekht is thought to have lived at some point between 1985 and 1797 BC and was excavated at Beni Hasan in Middle Egypt during digs carried out in the early 20th century.

The remains were donated to the city of Glasgow in 1923.

A spokesperson for Glasgow Life said the withdrawal of the remains “reflected contemporary museum practice”.

They added a new draft human remains policy proposed that they were only displayed “where there is documented and informed consent from the deceased individual or, in appropriate circumstances, their descendants”.

They said a parliamentary group on African repatriation had highlighted “ethical concerns” over the display of such remains due to the “constant disregard” of potential wishes and intentions of ancestors who buried them.

A mummified male head, right foot and a right hand recovered from the Valley of the Kings in Luxor were also taken out of public view.

The spokesperson added: “We believe removing ancient Egyptian human remains from display is more respectful to the deceased individuals.”