A bone to pick : Curation vs Repatriation - understanding the contestation of human remains in South African museums(at Ditsong National Museum of Cultural History)

Abstract

This research explores the history and dynamics of curation and repatriation of human remains in South African museums. In this dissertation, I interrogate the role played by colonialism and apartheid in the acquisition of human remains in museums. This research will shed light on the role and significance of repatriation in museums. Hence, this research on the repatriation of human remains in museums aims to understand issues of identity, cultural values, race politics and stakeholder relations with indigenous communities. Legislative implications postdemocracy, faced by South African museums with human remains collections, are probed closely.