Innovative approaches to caring for ancient Egyptian mummified human remains at the Chau Chak Wing Museum, Sydney

Since 2022, the Chau Chak Wing Museum (CCWM) at the University of Sydney has undertaken a rigorous and holistic study into the ethical care, treatment, interpretation, and display of human remains, focusing on those from ancient Egypt. By considering the perspectives of all stakeholders, including the dead, their descent communities, museum visitors, researchers, and museum professionals, CCWM are building better practices for all human remains in its care. This includes developing culturally specific guidelines, removing dismembered and exposed mummified body parts from display, and re-framing the language and narrative around ancient Egyptian mummified human remains across all Museum platforms. The intent of this chapter is to encourage all those who currently care for human remains in their collections to think more critically about ‘best practice’ and to demonstrate, by example, the ways museums and collecting institutions can open the door to culturally informed decision-making, especially with regard to ancient Egyptian collections.