LONDON’S FAMOUS Natural History Museum has decided to return 138 pieces of ancient human skeletal remains to the indigenous community of aboriginals. The remains ranging from jawbones to complete skeletons were obtained by the museum in 1884 from Torres Strait Islands; a group 274 islands between the northern coast of Australia and Papa New Guinea. The islanders have been demanding back the remains of their ancestors in an 18-month discussion between the two parties, mediated by the Australian government.
“Considering the return of ancestral remains is a complex and sensitive issue that seeks to balance the Museum’s commitment to the scientific study of human diversity and origins with different cultural perspectives on meaning, value and duties with respect to remains,” said Richard Lane, Director of Science at the NHM.
In one of the largest repatriation move of its kind, the museum intends to engage the community in continuing the responsibility of caring for the remains and also initiate other research interests with them.
Ned David, one of the islands who took part in the deal making process said: ”We welcome this first step in the repatriation process and the opportunity to work further with the Natural History Museum to develop a relationship that will facilitate both our cultural obligations and forge a longer term and even intergenerational partnership with the Museum.” For years the museum has studied these specimens along with 20,000 other human remains collected from all around the world. Such studies help explain human evolution, disease, medicine, forensics and more.