With support from the University of Richmond

History News Network puts current events into historical perspective. Subscribe to our newsletter for new perspectives on the ways history continues to resonate in the present. Explore our archive of thousands of original op-eds and curated stories from around the web. Join us to learn more about the past, now.

Liverpool Museums will give Aboriginal remains back to Australia

A HUMAN skull will be the first of three sets of remains returned to the Australian nation by National Museums Liverpool this year.

It will be handed over to representatives of the Ngarrindjeri indigenous people in a traditional ceremony held at World Museum Liverpool tomorrow.

The event, which follows a private commemoration, involves rituals including a smoking ceremony using smouldering eucalyptus leaves in a bowl.

Dates for returning the remains of two further people, also believed to be of mixed Australian and European ancestry, will be fixed during consultations with the indigenous communities from the areas of their origin.

NML director Dr David Fleming, who will be attending the ceremonies, said: “The remains entered our collections many years ago and it is fitting that they are being returned to their homeland.

“The repatriation of cultural items to their countries of origin is a complex, emotive and sensitive issue.

“We take a decision in each individual case when items are requested for repatriation.”

The Australian government asked for the return of the remains in January, 2006...
Read entire article at Liverpool Daily Post (UK)