The University of Oxford has officially transferred the custodianship of 39 Naga ancestral remains to the Naga people, marking the conclusion of a repatriation process that began in 2020. The handover ceremony took place at the university's Pitt Rivers Museum on November 9, 2026, where the items were officially placed into the care of the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) and the Naga Tribe Hoho, the apex body of Naga communities.
These ancestral remains had been held at the Pitt Rivers Museum, which has collected various Naga artifacts since its establishment in 1884. During the ceremony, the transfer documents were signed by Laura Van Broekhoven on behalf of the museum and Wati Aier representing the FNR. The agreement was further attested by Visier Sanyü of the FNR and Thejao Vihienuo of the Naga Tribe Hoho.
Following the formal handover, the Naga team moved the remains out of the university accompanied by a traditional chant. Thejao Vihienuo, who serves as the president of the Angami Public Organisation, stated that the repatriation represents the community's right to care for their ancestors and provides a necessary acknowledgement of shared humanity. He added that all such remains held in museums should be returned to their homeland with dignity.
Oxford University Vice-Chancellor Irene Tracey described the event as a journey toward reconciliation, healing, and peace, noting the community-led nature of the initiative. Once the remains are returned to India, they are scheduled to be taken to the Naga Solidarity Park in Kohima for a final burial.
Key facts
- The transfer involved 39 Naga ancestral remains held at the Pitt Rivers Museum since it was established in 1884.
- The formal handover ceremony was conducted on November 9, 2026, at the University of Oxford.
- The repatriation process was facilitated by the Forum for Naga Reconciliation and began in 2020.
- The remains are set to be interred at the Naga Solidarity Park in Kohima.
Why it matters
The return of these ancestral remains is viewed by Naga community leaders as a significant step in reclaiming their heritage and ensuring their ancestors are laid to rest with dignity in their homeland. The successful repatriation process is described by stakeholders as a milestone in the ongoing efforts to address the historical acquisition of Naga artifacts by international institutions.
Source: Hindustan Times, The Hindu
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