Our changing relationship with Irtyru
<p>The morals and ethics of museums displaying human remains have changed considerably over the years, especially since the beginning of the millennium. When the <a href="https://greatnorthmuseum.org.uk/" rel="noopener ugc nofollow" target="_blank">Great North Museum: Hancock</a> re-opened its doors after its refurbishment in 2009, the Ancient Egypt gallery where Irtyru resides had new displays, labels and graphics. However, only 12 years later we are beginning to question the way in which we display and interpret Irtyru’s mummified remains. As part of a museum-wide initiative to uncover hidden truths and untold stories about our collections, we have taken a fresh look at Irtyru. To understand why we feel so conflicted about her, we must acknowledge some uncomfortable truths about her history. We also have to try to understand ancient Egyptian ideas on death and the afterlife in relation to our westernised modern-day concepts, and how colonial practices have played their part in desecrating what would have been sacred remains.</p>
<p><a href="https://twmuseumsandarchives.medium.com/our-changing-relationship-with-irtyru-1919b68a7f5"><strong>Learn More</strong></a></p>