The Auction of Human Remains: Challenges, Case Studies, and Reflections

Rattenbury, Amy and Tynan, Paige (2025) The Auction of Human Remains: Challenges, Case Studies, and Reflections. In: Investigating Online Heritage Crime: New Directions, New Technologies, Emerging Markets. Berghanh Books, New York, pp. 149-180.

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Abstract

Although ethically dubious, the sale of archaeological human remains by UK auction houses is legally permitted. However, there is little oversight to determine if artefacts are real human bone and of appropriate antiquity to sell. A lack of checks by auction houses could result in sales that contravene the Human Tissues Act or impact forensic investigations. The move to online auctions has widened markets and risks remains being repeatedly commodified or traded illegally through other online platforms and social media pages. This chapter investigates legal and regulatory frameworks, explores connections between legal and illegal markets, and uses case studies to highlight wider ethical issues in the trade of human remains.

Item Type:	Book Section
Keywords:	Auction Houses, Case Study, Ethical Considerations, Human Remains, Legal Frameworks, UK Perspective
Divisions:	Social and Life Sciences
Depositing User:	Hayley Dennis
Date Deposited:	30 Mar 2026 11:51
Last Modified:	30 Mar 2026 11:51
URI:	https://wrexham.repository.guildhe.ac.uk/id/eprint/18426

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