Mokokchung, 11 November (MTNews): “Nagas used to decorate and maintain the skulls of their deceased loved ones honorably,” said Dr Dolly Kikon, Associate Professor of Anthropology and Development Studies at the University of Melbourne. “However, during the colonial era, these customs were disrupted when the skulls were taken away without consent.” The statement was made during a public engagement initiative at Jubilee Memorial College, Mokokchung, where a dialogue on the repatriation of Naga ancestral human remains by the Recover, Restore, and Decolonize (RRaD) group was held.
The RRaD initiative, a team of researchers and human rights activists, aims to generate awareness and build a case for the return of Naga human remains from the University of Oxford’s Pitt Rivers Museum. Dr Kikon, who served as the keynote speaker, offered insights into the significance of returning human remains taken during the period of British imperialism. She underlined the importance of understanding that not all human remains housed in museums are tied to head-hunting customs.
Dr Kikon emphasized that repatriation serves as a stabilizing factor that pushes us to understand our historical narrative authentically by acting as a bridge between the past, present, and future.
The dialogue, facilitated by Dr Ellen Jamir, Associate Professor of Christian Counseling and Psychotherapy at the Oriental Theological Seminary in Nagaland, delved into the historical context and social justice aspects of repatriation.
The event also featured a documentary screening on the repatriation issue, followed by an engaging discussion with the attendees. This initiative by RRaD underscores a broader movement toward justice, inclusivity, and healing, urging the University of Oxford to acknowledge and act upon the rightful repatriation of Naga ancestral human remains.