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Responsibility for the Bad Condition of Sucking Tits Mummy and Defense

The sucking tits mummy, also known as the Gayer-Anderson cat, is an ancient Egyptian artifact that was acquired by Major Robert Grenville Gayer-Anderson during his service in Egypt in the early 20th century. The mummy consists of a cat's body wrapped in linen and decorated with amulets and symbols of fertility and protection. However, over time, the mummy had deteriorated due to various factors, such as exposure to light, humidity, and insects, as well as improper handling and conservation.

Who was held responsible?

In 2018, the British Museum, where the mummy is currently housed, admitted that it had failed to properly care for the mummy and apologized for its condition. The museum acknowledged that the mummy had suffered from "unintentional damage" and "inadequate storage" and that it was undergoing conservation treatment to stabilize and restore its appearance and structure. The museum also vowed to improve its conservation practices and to consult with the Egyptian authorities on the future of the mummy.

How did the museum defend itself?

The British Museum defended itself by stating that the mummy had been donated to the museum in 1939 by Gayer-Anderson himself, along with other artifacts from his private collection, and that he had not provided any specific instructions on how to care for the mummy. Moreover, the museum argued that the mummy had been displayed in a public gallery for many years and had been subject to frequent inspection and monitoring. The museum also pointed out that it had recently invested in a new conservation center and had trained its staff to use the latest techniques and equipment.

However, the museum's defense was criticized by some experts and activists who argued that the museum had a duty of care towards the mummy as a valuable and unique cultural heritage object. They also questioned the museum's decision to display the mummy in a small case with poor lighting and ventilation, which could have accelerated its decay. Furthermore, they pointed out that the museum had not consulted with the Egyptian authorities or the local community on the acquisition and display of the mummy, which could have raised ethical and legal issues.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the responsibility for the bad condition of the sucking tits mummy can be attributed to various factors, including the lack of proper care and conservation by the British Museum, the absence of clear guidelines and communication from the donor, and the complex and contested history of colonial and cultural encounters that surround the object. The defense of the museum reflects the challenges and controversies that museums face in balancing their mission of preserving and presenting cultural heritage with the demands of accountability, transparency, and respect for diverse perspectives.