The Role of Corpses in Museum Dioramas

The Carnegie Museum of Natural History historically utilized human corpses in the creation of dioramas to enhance exhibits. One notable example details a dramatic scene where taxidermied animals are posed as if in action, with a human figure depicted in the scene. On closer inspection, it was revealed that the figure's face was based on a real human skull, which sparked intrigue and controversy. This revelation led to discussions about museum ethics and the implications of using human remains in educational displays, particularly given the historical context and use of corpses in taxidermy.