During the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, large numbers of indigenous human remains were collected for the purpose of studying racial differences. More recently, human remains in university and museum collections also include those uncovered through archaeological excavation and retained for the scientific study of past populations. Increasingly, indigenous peoples world-wide are asserting their right to determine the future of the human remains of their ancestors and are requesting their return. This repatriation campaign has brought under scrutiny the ethics of scientific practice, raising cultural and moral issues that have not easily been resolved between groups of people with varying histories and beliefs. The Dead and their Possessions presents recent international research on repatriation by indigenous and non-indigenous people from museum, archaeological, anthropological, historical, educational and community backgrounds. In November 2003 the UK's Department of Culture, Media and Sport Working Group on Human Remains published its report.
Its brief had included examination of the legal status of human remains, institutional powers to de-accession, the desirability of a statement of principles and supporting guidance relating to the care and safe-keeping of human remains, and the procedures for considering requests for their return. A new preface to this paperback edition examines the findings and significance of the report and the continuing controversy about this crucial aspect of global museum policy and practice.