Historic handover marks milestone in Naga-led efforts towards reconciliation, healing and reclaiming ancestral heritage
The University of Oxford has formally transferred the custodianship of 39 Naga ancestral human remains to the Naga people through the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) and the Naga Tribe Hoho, marking a historic milestone in the community’s efforts to reclaim its ancestral heritage.
The solemn handover ceremony was hosted by the Pitt Rivers Museum, University of Oxford, on November 9, bringing to a close a process initiated in 2020 with the FNR serving as facilitator. The ancestral remains had been in the museum’s custody for more than a century before being formally returned to the care of Naga communities.
The landmark Transfer of Title Form was jointly signed by Professor Laura Van Broekhoven on behalf of the Pitt Rivers Museum and Rev. Dr Wati Aier on behalf of the FNR. The document was attested by Visier Sanyü, representing the FNR, and Thejao Vihienuo, representing the Naga Tribe Hoho. Following the handover, the ancestral remains were moved out of the University of Oxford to begin their journey home.
The remains had entered the museum’s collection through donations by collectors since the establishment of the Pitt Rivers Museum in 1884, which included Naga artefacts and ancestral human remains.
The ceremony began with a chant, Langhon Langpheng Ngao, performed by Nyamto Wangsha, expressing the belief that when the soul returns, the village heals.
Vice-Chancellor of the University of Oxford, Professor Irene Tracey, described the occasion as “historic between the university and the Naga people”. She recognised the repatriation process as a distinct, community-led initiative centred on reconciliation, healing and peace.
Speaking on behalf of the FNR, Professor Visier Sanyü shared a personal account of his village being burnt down by British colonial forces. Reflecting on the power of forgiveness, he spoke about how it had helped forge and nurture new friendships with those who had caused harm.
He also recalled the words of late Naga peace activist Niketu Iralu, who said, “Hate not transformed is transferred,” describing the principle as central to his work on peace and reconciliation.
President of the Angami Public Organisation, Thejao Vihienuo, who spoke on behalf of the Naga Tribe Hoho, said repatriation was a Naga right to care for their ancestors and an acknowledgement of shared humanity. He maintained that all Naga ancestral remains held in museums must be returned to their homeland with dignity.
Rev. Dr Ellen Konyak, coordinator of the Recover, Restore, and Decolonise (RRaD) team, said the repatriation was not an end but a new beginning for the Naga people to create their own story.
Adding to the occasion, NT Thamlong Phom and Dr Moishen Metjei Phom presented a song, Nyokei Shemei Leishah, conveying the sentiments of bringing Naga ancestors home.
The gathering recognised the handover as the beginning of a broader journey to address difficult colonial histories, while embracing renewal and a shared vision of humanity.
