A review by ktc8
Mummified: The Stories Behind Egyptian Mummies in Museums by Angela Stienne

5.0

I think this is essential reading for the 2020s and museum ethics - asking essential questions about why we are so intrigued by mummies and the ethics of display as well as the basic understanding that these are dead human beings and the history of their status as objects, and the continued disrespect to the human body as a form of colonial violence and how eugenics/science is used in the museum still to this day carrying out racist beliefs about the body and Africa. This kind of book, that looks at the history of collecting mummies really shows what the museum needs to change - especially in sites of the 'postcolonial' like British and French museums. I really loved the writing and it felt educational, but absolutely intriguing and engaging. It inspired some ideas for my dissertation as well so thank you Dr. Stienne.