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Research project
Cultural history

Human remains in the collections of the Weltmuseum Wien

The collections of the Weltmuseum Wien also contain human remains. These include mummies, so-called “ancestor heads”, objects in which human remains (bones, hair, etc.) have been incorporated, and photographs of dead people.

Research finished
The image shows a long corridor lined with storage cabinets equipped with large, black hand-crank handles. The cabinets are gray, and a doorway is visible at the end of the hallway, leading to a darker space. The floor is smooth and dark.
Depot at the Weltmuseum Wien, © KHM-Museumsverband, Weltmuseum Wien

About the project

For the first time, this project aims to ensure as complete an inventory as possible of the human remains in the Weltmuseum Wien’s collections. The resulting knowledge will be used to prepare an internal database and develop concrete strategies based on the holdings and in consultation with experts from the societies of origin. The strategies include the framework conditions for a transparent presentation of information to the outside world and the adaptation of the current storage of these holdings in the depot.

Duration: 
January 2024 to August 2025

Project lead:
Claudia Augustat

Project team:
Victoria Immervoll

Contact:
humanremains@weltmuseumwien.at

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