Anatomical Collection, Institute of Anatomy, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 07740 Jena, Germany.
Anatomical Collection, Institute of Anatomy, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 07740 Jena, Germany.
Ann Anat. 2023 Oct;250:152139. doi: 10.1016/j.aanat.2023.152139. Epub 2023 Jul 26.
Emphasizing scientific and cultural-historical aspects of human remains, we describe the historical background and present status of the Anatomical Collection at the University of Jena. In addition to safekeeping issues and exhibition practice, we provide typical examples of provenance research in the Collection and refer to relevant literature and recommendations. A reappraisal of the Anatomical Collection culminated in the implementation of a new exhibition concept that diverts attention away from dead bodies as mere anatomical objects and emphasizes ethical considerations, such as consented body donation. The visitor is encouraged to respect the deceased as human subjects who are individuals with their personal biography and entitled to human dignity also after death. A particular focus of our approach is on contexts of colonial injustice and racism, which require a high degree of ethical sensitivity. By providing practical hints on how to conduct provenance research, we want to encourage other anatomists to have a closer look at their historical collections. While some human remains can be restituted, others will probably stay in the collections for various reasons. Concepts for the appropriate handling of these remains have yet to be developed. In conclusion, we argue that, with a renewed understanding and sensitivity, the importance and value of the historical anatomical collections can be recognized once again.
我们强调人类遗骸的科学和文化历史方面，描述了耶拿大学解剖学收藏的历史背景和现状。除了保管问题和展览实践外，我们还提供了收藏中来源研究的典型例子，并参考了相关文献和建议。对解剖学收藏的重新评估最终导致实施了一种新的展览概念，该概念将注意力从仅仅作为解剖学对象的尸体上转移开，并强调了诸如同意的尸体捐赠等伦理考虑。参观者被鼓励尊重死者，将其视为具有个人传记的个体，即使在死后也享有尊严。我们方法的一个特别重点是殖民不公正和种族主义的背景，这需要高度的伦理敏感性。通过提供有关如何进行来源研究的实用提示，我们希望鼓励其他解剖学家更仔细地研究他们的历史收藏。虽然有些人类遗骸可以归还，但由于各种原因，其他遗骸可能会留在收藏中。这些遗骸的适当处理概念仍有待制定。总之，我们认为，通过重新理解和敏感性，可以再次认识到历史解剖收藏的重要性和价值。
