The Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum Human Remains Collection: Proposed skin analysis

Project summary

This project will use ZooMS (Zooarchaeology by Mass Spectrometry) to establish the biological origin of an unidentified skin sample held by the Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum, resolving whether the object is human or animal in origin. Using a minimally destructive “eraser sampling” approach, the research will provide essential evidence to improve understanding, documentation and care of a poorly provenanced historic collection item.

The project will support a wider reassessment of the museum’s human remains collections and contribute to more ethical approaches to collection management. If the sample is confirmed as human, the results will enable further research and consultation regarding its history, provenance and the potential for repatriation. By applying heritage science to address complex questions of identity, ownership and care, the project will demonstrate how scientific analysis can support responsible museum practice and contribute to ongoing efforts to decolonise collections.