(AP) — Harvard University said it has removed human skin from the binding of a 19th century book about the afterlife that has been in its collections since the 1930s.
Scientific analysis done in 2014 confirmed the binding was made of human skin, the university said.
In its statement, Harvard said the library noted several ways in which its stewardship practices failed to meet its ethical standards.
The removed skin is now in “secure storage at Harvard Library,” Anne-Marie Eze, Houghton Library associate librarian, said in the question-and-answer session.
Harvard said the skin removal was prompted by a library review following a Harvard University report on human remains in its museum collections, released in 2022.
Persons:
Des, ”, Arsène Houssaye, Ludovic Bouland, Harvard, Bouland, Thomas Hyry, ” Harvard, ” Anne, Marie Eze
Organizations:
— Harvard University, Houghton Library, Houghton, Harvard Library, Harvard University, “ Harvard Library, Harvard Museum
Locations:
CAMBRIDGE, French