Naga delegation begins historic repatriation process at Oxford’s Pitt Rivers Museum

• DIMAPUR — A Naga delegation comprising tribal elders, leaders, and representatives from various Naga tribe hohos, the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) and Recover, Restore, and Decolonise (RRaD) met with officials at the Pitt Rivers Museum (PRM) of the University of Oxford on June 9 to initiate the repatriation process of ancestral human remains belonging to the Naga people.

The Naga delegation comprising of leaders and elders of Naga tribe hohos, members of Forum for Naga Reconciliation and Recover, Restore and Decolonise stand in front of the Pitt Rivers Museum, University of Oxford, on June 9.

• The visit marks a significant milestone in a process that began five years ago, aimed at returning remains that had been housed in the museum for over a century. The remains, initially donated by colonial administrator John Henry Hutton and others, were on display at PRM until 2020.
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• Welcoming the delegation, Professor Dr Laura van Broekhoven, Director of PRM, acknowledged the emotional weight of the occasion. “We know that this week will be one that we will both feel grief and sadness when looking back on that past and also we will feel hope as we work towards reconciliation and healing in the future,” she stated.
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• Dr. Laura Van Broekhoven welcoming the Naga delegation during the opening session at the Pitt Rivers Museum, University of Oxford, on June 9.
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• Speaking on behalf of the Naga delegation, Rev. Dr Ellen Konyak Jamir, coordinator of RRaD and member of FNR, said that the delegation’s presence represents a sacred journey that began five years ago to repatriate the physical remains of Naga ancestors who were taken away and have resided within the walls of PRM for generations.

Rev. Dr. Ellen Konyak Jamir delivering the opening remarks during the opening session at the Pitt Rivers Museum, University of Oxford, on June 9.

• “We come with hope in the process, may this journey appease our ancestors and our communities,” she remarked, while also commending the museum for its ethical stance and commitment to repatriation.
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• According to a communiqué issued by the FNR on Tuesday, an Indigenous chant, “Our Ancestor,” was performed by Dr. Visier Sanyü of FNR, alluding to the parting of the Naga ancestor from the creator and the hope of reunion and healing.

• Dr. Visier Sanyü sharing a Naga traditional chant during the opening session at the Pitt Rivers Museum, University of Oxford, on June 9.

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• The keynote address was delivered by Thejao Vihienuo, President of the Angami Public Organisation, who traced the historical experience of the Naga people, from living between the Brahmaputra and Chindwin rivers to the disruptions caused by British colonisation.

Thejao Vihienuo delivering the keynote address during the opening session at the Pitt Rivers Museum, University of Oxford, on June 9.

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• Vihienuo emphasised that the Nagas were never conquered until the British invaded their land in the nineteenth century and divided their ancestral domain. “We have embarked on this historic journey, not only for the repatriation of our ancestors but also as a journey towards the process of decolonisation,” he said.
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• He also acknowledged that the ancestral remains displayed in the museum had conveyed the history of the Naga people in silence. “We are proud of these ancestors and are here to pay our respectful homage to them,” he said.
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  “Nagas are aware we cannot undo the past. But…we are confident that this process of repatriation will go a long way in healing the wounds of all the people involved,” Vihienuo added.
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• Following the formal proceedings, the delegation was granted access to the room where the ancestral remains had been placed. This was the first such visit since the remains were removed from public display. A ceremonial invocation led by Nepuni Piku of FNR included chants to the “Blue Sky Father and Mother Earth,” as shawls were laid in homage to honour the remains.

The Naga delegation with the Director and staff of the Pitt Rivers Museum, University of Oxford, in front of the museum on June 9.

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• The Naga delegation is expected to remain in Oxford throughout the week to continue efforts to reclaim and repatriate their ancestral heritage, according to the statement.

Also read: Naga delegation visits Pitt Rivers Museum to discuss repatriation of ancestral remains