Colonial-Era Reckoning: Oxford to Return 39 Naga Ancestors Taken Over a Century Ago

In Brief

1. Oxford's Pitt Rivers Museum to return 39 colonial-era human remains to the Naga people.
2. The University of Oxford approved a restitution request submitted by the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR).
3. The museum houses the world's largest collection of Naga artefacts.
4. The repatriation marks a major step toward cultural restoration and respect for the Naga community.

Oxford’s Pitt Rivers Museum is preparing to return 39 human remains dating back to the colonial era to the Naga people. This move follows Oxford University's approval of a restitution request submitted by the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR), an organization representing the interests of the Naga community.

The museum houses the world's largest collection of Naga artefacts, originating from the northeastern region of India. The decision to repatriate these remains is viewed as a significant step towards acknowledging past colonial injustices and restoring cultural heritage to its rightful custodians.

The Forum for Naga Reconciliation welcomed the approval, signalling a positive development in the ongoing global dialogue about the repatriation of indigenous remains and artefacts. The return process is currently being coordinated in collaboration with both parties to ensure respectful handling and transport.