Ancestors in collections? Crossed perspectives between scientific issues and contemporary responsibilities

Description

Co-organized by the Museum of Ethnography of Geneva – MEG, the Swiss Society of Ethnology Museum Commission, the ARCAN Laboratory, and the Art Law Center at the University of Geneva, this international and interdisciplinary conference will address the ethical, legal, scientific, cultural, and political questions raised by the presence of human remains in museum, academic, medical, and heritage collections. The conference will bring together researchers, museum professionals, community representatives, artists, and policymakers to discuss provenance, terminology, conservation and care, public presentation, restitution, alternatives when return is not possible, and institutional responsibilities. 📍 MEG – Museum of Ethnography of Geneva 📅 November 3–4, 2026 🎟️ Free entry, upon prior registration 📩 Registration: ancestors.in.collections.meg@geneve.ch The full program will be published soon.