Glasgow Life receives request to return Nekht remains to Egypt

Glasgow Life has confirmed it received a request to return the mummified remains of Nekht, an ancient Egyptian priest, to Egypt. The museum operator said it would follow its repatriation process, but did not identify who submitted the request. No decision on the remains’ return has been reported. Reports have attributed the request to Egyptian authorities, but Glasgow Life has not confirmed that account. A spokesperson said the organisation had received the request in the last few days and would use its established process to guide next steps. The remains were removed from public display at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in October. Glasgow Life said the decision reflected the absence of documented, informed consent from Nekht or, where appropriate, his descendants. The organisation said it considered removing ancient Egyptian human remains more respectful in the absence of such consent. Glasgow Life’s draft policy says human remains should be displayed only when documented, informed consent exists. The organisation manages Glasgow’s museum collections, which are owned by the council. Under the process described by Glasgow Life, repatriation requests are considered...