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Final Paper Proposal for Clark University CMLT 210

April 11, 2024
image by Jessie Tarbox Beals, via Missouri Historical Museum

This essay will look at the ethical and curatorial challenges faced by museums, specifically focusing on the Smithsonian's collection of brains, including those from Filipino individuals who died at the 1904 World Fair. Collected by Ales Hrdlicka, the context of the curation of these remains is steeped in the complex legacies of colonialism and racial science. The research will contextualize Hrdlicka's work within the broader historical attitudes of the early 20th century, drawing on current scholarly debates regarding the ethics of museum collections of human remains and whether to repatriate. Using the Smithsonian's Filipino brain collection as a primary case study, in this essay I think I will explore the tensions between historical preservation and the dignity of the deceased, the process of repatriation, and the importance of involving descendant communities in these decisions.

Outline

Introduction
  • Background Information: Introduce Ales Hrdlicka, his role at the Smithsonian, including his influence in physical anthropology and the collection of human remains. Introduce the racial brain collection of the Smithsonian.
  • Context: Explain the significance of the 1904 World Fair, focusing on the participation of Filipino individuals and the subsequent collection of their remains following their deaths.
  • Thesis Statement: Look at how museums like the Smithsonian can address ethical concerns and curatorial challenges associated with the repatriation and display of human remains, specifically focusing on the Smithsonian brain collection, particularly remains of Filipinos.
Literature Review
  • Historical Analysis: Discuss historical attitudes towards race and science, particularly focusing on the early 20th century.
  • Current Debates: Review current debates on the ethics of museum collections holding human remains, focus on recent cases where repatriation has occurred.
  • Institutional Policies: Examine the existing policies of major institutions (like the Smithsonian) on repatriation and curation of human remains.
Discussion
  • Ethical Considerations: Compare debates on ethical questions surrounding the curation and display of human remains, particularly those obtained under colonial contexts.
  • Curation vs. Repatriation: Tension between preserving history and respecting the dignity of the individuals whose remains are held by museums.
  • Community Engagement: Discuss importance of involving descendant communities and stakeholders in the decision-making process of repatriation.
Case Analysis
  • Case Study Approach: the Smithsonian’s racial brain collection, particularly those of Filipinos, as a case study.
  • Specific Cases: Instances where the Smithsonian has repatriated remains, focusing on the outcomes and community responses.
  • Lessons Learned: Discuss key lessons from these repatriations for future curatorial practices.
Conclusion
  • Summarize Key Points: Recap ethical and curatorial challenges discussed.
  • Importance for future considerations: why anyone should care
  • Recommendations: Offer well-founded recommendations for how institutions like the Smithsonian should handle the curation and repatriation of sensitive collections, particularly those involving colonial legacies.
image by Harris & Ewing, via Wikimedia Commons

Works Cited

Original articles, where I learned of issue:
Other Sources: