Postmortem Objectification: A Spectacle of Human Remains in German Museums

The net of scientific entitlement is woven from a single thread that extends from German colonialism to present-day exhibits like Körperwelten. The work of physical anthropologists in Germany and the development of the field from the late 1800s offers insight into the creation and continuity of scientific entitlement to the body of individuals deemed to be ‘others’. Museums and their exhibits embody the intentionality of the curators and researchers, and communicate these intentions to the visitors through curation and exhibit design choices. The inclusion of human remains in exhibits should be considered carefully as to be respectful of the individuals, their communities, and the visitors of the museum. The controversial Körperwelten and its creator walk the fine line of art versus science, allegedly providing an exhibit that fosters education and reflection, while in actuality trivializing the humanness of the individuals on display. The path of dehumanization and othering that are core to scientific entitlement deserve to be traced, as the exclusion of their consideration results in the negligent perpetuation of these notions.

Please note that pictures of human remains (in museum settings) are included in this submission.