The Routledge Handbook of Museums, Heritage, and Death

The Handbook provides a comprehensive examination of death, dying, and human remains in museums and heritage sites, highlighting best practice and calling for more ethical frameworks and strategies for collaboration. It is useful to all individuals working with, studying, and interested in curation and exhibition.

Format: Hardback
Length: 583 pages
Publication date: 26 July 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The Handbook is a comprehensive exploration of death, dying, and human remains in museums and heritage sites across the globe. It presents a diverse range of contributions from scholars, practitioners, and artists, emphasizing the omnipresence of death and the dead body in these spaces. The Handbook serves as a foundation for debate and a reference for how the dead are treated in the public arena. Moreover, it highlights best practices and calls for more ethical frameworks and strategies for collaboration, particularly with descendant communities.

This invaluable resource will be useful to all individuals working with, studying, and interested in curation and exhibition at museums and heritage sites worldwide. It will particularly appeal to those in the fields of heritage, museum studies, death studies, archaeology, anthropology, sociology, and history.

The Handbook delves into various aspects of death and its representation in museums and heritage sites. It examines the historical and cultural contexts in which these remains are collected, conserved, and displayed, exploring the ethical and philosophical considerations that arise. The volume also discusses the challenges and opportunities presented by the digital age, including the use of technology and social media to engage with and interpret these remains.

One of the key themes of the Handbook is the importance of collaboration and dialogue between different stakeholders, including museums, heritage organizations, academic institutions, and descendant communities. It emphasizes the need for respectful and inclusive practices that honor the dignity and autonomy of the dead and their descendants. The Handbook provides practical guidance and strategies for developing and implementing these practices, including the use of participatory approaches, community engagement, and ethical frameworks.

Another important aspect of the Handbook is its focus on the ethical treatment of human remains. It explores the complex issues surrounding the preservation, display, and interpretation of these remains, including the potential for exploitation, cultural appropriation, and harm. The volume provides insights into the ethical frameworks and principles that can guide these practices, including the principles of respect, autonomy, and beneficence.

The Handbook also highlights the significance of heritage and museums in shaping public perceptions and attitudes toward death and the dead. It examines the ways in which these spaces can promote empathy, understanding, and respect for different cultures and traditions, as well as the potential for them to perpetuate harmful stereotypes and biases. The volume encourages museums and heritage organizations to be proactive in addressing these issues and promoting inclusive and respectful practices.

In conclusion, The Handbook is a groundbreaking and essential resource for anyone working with, studying, or interested in curation and exhibition at museums and heritage sites around the world. It provides a comprehensive examination of death, dying, and human remains in these spaces, highlighting the ethical and philosophical considerations that arise. Through its diverse range of contributions and practical guidance, the Handbook fosters dialogue, collaboration, and respect for the dead and their descendants. It is a valuable tool for promoting inclusive and ethical practices in the field of museum and heritage studies.

Weight: 1016g
Dimension: 163 x 241 x 38 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032047041