The University of Oxford has returned the ancestral remains of 39 Naga people to their community after holding them for more than 100 years. The remains formed part of the collection at the university’s Pitt Rivers Museum in the United Kingdom. The historic handover took place during a ceremony attended by representatives of the Naga community and Oxford University.
The Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) and the Naga Tribe Hoho formally received the remains. Now, the Naga community plans to bring them home and provide a common burial place at Naga Solidarity Park in Kohima. The repatriation marks an important step towards healing colonial-era wounds and restoring the dignity of Naga ancestors.
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Key Facts About the Return of Naga Ancestral Remains
- Institution: University of Oxford, United Kingdom.
- Museum: Pitt Rivers Museum.
- Number of remains: 39 Naga ancestral remains.
- Period: More than 100 years.
- Receiving organisations: Forum for Naga Reconciliation and Naga Tribe Hoho.
- Handover ceremony: Monday (exact calendar date not specified).
- Proposed burial location: Naga Solidarity Park, Kohima, Nagaland.
- Oxford representatives: Professor Laura Van Broekhoven and Professor Irene Tracey.
- Naga representatives: Rev Dr Wati Aier, Visier Sanyu and Thejao Vihienuo.
Oxford University Completes Historic Handover
The formal handover ceremony took place at the Pitt Rivers Museum in Oxford. The museum had kept the 39 ancestral remains in its collection for more than a century.
During the ceremony, Pitt Rivers Museum Director Professor Laura Van Broekhoven and FNR representative Rev Dr Wati Aier signed the transfer of title document.
Meanwhile, Visier Sanyu represented the FNR, while Thejao Vihienuo represented the Naga Tribe Hoho. Both witnessed the signing.
University of Oxford Vice-Chancellor Professor Irene Tracey described the repatriation as a historic moment in the relationship between Oxford University and the Naga people.
According to the FNR statement, she highlighted the community-led nature of the initiative. She also stressed its importance in promoting reconciliation, healing and peace.
Naga Representatives Recall British Colonial-Era Violence
During the ceremony, Visier Sanyu spoke about the violence that Naga communities experienced under British colonial rule.
He recalled how colonial forces had burned down his own village. Furthermore, he emphasised the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation.
To underline his message, Sanyu quoted the late Naga peace activist Niketu Iralu: “Hate not transformed is transferred”.
Thejao Vihienuo, president of the Angami Public Organisation, also welcomed the historic return. He said the Naga people have the right to care for and honour their ancestors.
Moreover, he urged museums holding Naga ancestral remains to return them to their homeland. He stressed that communities should receive their ancestors with dignity and respect.
Naga Solidarity Park in Kohima to Become Burial Site
Following the handover, preparations began to establish a common burial place at Naga Solidarity Park in Kohima.
The park’s management committee has already identified and earmarked a suitable location for the burial.
Committee members recently organised a prayer service to formally begin preparations. Committee convenor Vipopal Kintsi confirmed the development.
Kintsi said the proposed burial would give the 39 ancestors a shared resting place. In addition, he described the initiative as an opportunity to promote healing, reconciliation and unity.
He also urged the Naga community to look beyond historical and tribal divisions. Instead, he encouraged people to strengthen their shared Naga identity.
Pitt Rivers Museum and Its Colonial-Era Collection
The 39 ancestral remains formed part of the collection at Oxford University’s Pitt Rivers Museum.
The museum, established in 1884, houses cultural objects and artefacts from different parts of the world.
However, the presence of human remains in colonial-era museum collections has raised serious questions about historical ownership, cultural rights and the dignity of indigenous communities.
Therefore, the return of these remains represents an important step towards addressing such concerns and recognising the rights of communities to honour their ancestors.
Questions and Answers
Q1. How many Naga ancestral remains did Oxford University return?
Oxford University returned the ancestral remains of 39 members of the Naga community.
Q2. Where did the remains stay for more than 100 years?
They remained at the Pitt Rivers Museum at the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom.
Q3. Which organisations received the ancestral remains?
The Forum for Naga Reconciliation and the Naga Tribe Hoho formally received them.
Q4. Where will the remains be buried?
The Naga community plans to provide a common burial place at Naga Solidarity Park in Kohima.
Q5. Why is the repatriation important?
The return acknowledges the painful legacy of colonial history. It also restores the Naga community’s opportunity to honour its ancestors with dignity.
Historical Significance for Nagaland and Northeast India
The return of 39 Naga ancestral remains carries deep cultural and historical significance for Nagaland and Northeast India.
For the Naga community, this homecoming goes beyond the return of historical remains. It represents dignity, cultural identity and the right to honour ancestors according to their traditions.
Furthermore, the proposed burial at Naga Solidarity Park could become a symbol of collective remembrance and reconciliation.
Ultimately, the initiative offers an opportunity for Naga communities to move beyond historical divisions and strengthen their shared identity for future generations.
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