Five Examples of the Displayed Dead
In March 2022, I had the opportunity to visit the National Museum of Ireland on Kildare Street in Dublin. This remarkable archaeology museum offers free admission to the public and is definitely worth a visit if you ever find yourself in Dublin. The museum displays human remains in a respectful and captivating manner, securely presented behind glass and thoughtfully lit. During my visit, I was particularly fascinated by the exhibit featuring bog bodies, which was displayed exceptionally well.
Clonycavan Man, Co Meath
One of the most striking displays of human remains in the museum is that of Clonycavan Man. This exhibit is part of the Kinship and Sacrifice section, which also showcases other Irish bog bodies. Clonycavan Man, discovered in 2003, is believed to have been a murder victim, showing signs of ritualistic mutilation.
His face has been reconstructed, allowing visitors to connect with him on a more personal level. Despite the change in color due to the bog’s anaerobic conditions, his features remain visible. This exhibit serves as a fantastic resource for engaging in conversations about death and the display of the human body.
Viking Burial, Memorial Park, Co Dublin
Another noteworthy display in the museum is an almost fully intact skeleton dating back to the 9th century, found at Memorial Park, Island Bridge, Dublin. This burial is labeled as belonging to a warrior, as a dagger and sword were discovered alongside the remains. However, there is limited accompanying information about the burial, leaving the visitor to speculate about the individual’s gender.
The dimly lit exhibit creates an ambiance that allows visitors to appreciate the significance of the human remains on display. It raises questions about the appropriate presentation of skeletal remains and the public’s threshold for encountering such displays.
Burial 24, Mound of the Hostages, Hill of Tara, Co Meath
Burial 24, located in the Hill of Tara section, contains the remains of a cremated adult, accompanied by an inverted encrusted urn and vase. Interestingly, visitors might not initially realize they are viewing human remains unless they read the exhibit’s label.
This observation prompts us to consider whether people pass by such remains unknowingly, without recognizing the significance of what they are walking past. It would be intriguing to conduct visitor observations and explore how different types of exhibits featuring human remains elicit different reactions.
Human Skull, John’s Lane, Co Dublin
A thought-provoking exhibit in the museum is centered around a human skull discovered at John’s Lane, Dublin. The skull is displayed in a glass case with a label indicating that it belonged to a young man who may have suffered a fatal head wound. What makes this display unsettling is the inclusion of a “slave chain” found in a different context. Although the intention may be to provoke a reaction, the juxtaposition raises questions about identity and the post-mortem integrity of the individual. It challenges us to consider the ethics of presenting human remains in a way that evokes discomfort.
Ptolemaic Mummy, Provenance unknown (Egypt)
The museum’s upper galleries house a significant collection of objects from ancient Egypt, including several mummies acquired from excavations conducted between the 1890s and 1920s. One notable exhibit is the Ptolemaic Mummy of unknown provenance, dating back to around 300 BC. Unlike the Leeds City Museum, there is no explicit warning sign outside the exhibit informing visitors about the display of human remains. The Dublin mummies remain wrapped, creating a layer between the viewer and the preserved bodies. The lack of detailed information regarding the mummy’s origin can be attributed to historical practices and colonial attitudes. However, the exhibit is well-presented, adequately illuminated, and accompanied by informative labels, emphasizing both respect and the significance of these artifacts.
In conclusion, the National Museum of Ireland’s Archaeology section offers a captivating and thought-provoking experience through its display of human remains. The exhibits, such as Clonycavan Man, the Viking burial, Burial 24, the human skull from John’s Lane, and the Ptolemaic Mummy, provide unique insights into the past while raising important questions about the ethics and boundaries of displaying human remains. These displays serve not only as educational resources but also as catalysts for discussions on death, identity, and the representation of the human body.
