It would be a good idea to check with the medical examiner or coroner in the jurisdiction where the skull cap is located. Very likely, they will say that they have no interest, but it is the appropriate step.
After that, you might offer it to a medical school, or a college biology or anthropology dept.
Taking it to the backyard and burying it is not a good idea…sometime in the future, someone else will find it and wonder why its there.
Bp
Robert B. Pickering, PhD
Director of Curatorial Affairs & Public Programs, Gilcrease Museum;
Director, Museum Science and Management, University of Tulsa;
Professor of Anthropology, University of Tulsa
1400 N. Gilcrease Museum Rd
Tulsa, OK 74127
(918) 596-2706 Office
(918) 596-2770 Fax
(918) 805-4780 Cell
From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
On Behalf Of Jennifer Madden
Sent: Tuesday, August 05, 2014 10:34 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [MUSEUM-L] need advice regarding human remains
Hello All:
I have been approached by a friend who is facing an issue of appropriate action regarding human remains. She is cleaning out her father’s estate and found a human skull cap. She suspects that it was acquired by her grandfather during medical
school in the 1930s. She wants to be sensitive to this issue and do the right thing. I don’t have any experience with this at my job, but know there are some people out there with experience in this area who may have some advice for her.
Thanks for any suggestions,
Jennifer
Jennifer Y. Madden
Director of Collections & Exhibitions
508.888.3300 x. 101
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