The University of Oxford Council has approved the repatriation of 39 Naga ancestral human remains held at the Pitt Rivers Museum (PRM) in the UK, marking a major step towards returning remains taken during the colonial era to their homeland.
University Agrees to Repatriate Naga Remains
The University’s Council has agreed to return 39 human remains to the Naga community, as confirmed in a letter from PRM director Laura Van Broekhoven to FNR convener Wati Aier. This decision was made on July 13, while the repatriation of one set was declined due to insufficient evidence of its Naga origin. Van Broekhoven expressed hope that this development will facilitate the return of Naga ancestors to their homeland.
In 2025, a delegation from the Naga community visited the UK at the invitation of the PRM to advance the repatriation process. During their visit, they engaged with representatives from several British museums housing Naga artefacts and human remains, including the British Museum, Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology at Cambridge University, Manchester University, South Asia Gallery, Horniman Museum, and Bristol Museum. This visit aimed to strengthen ties and further discussions on the repatriation of Naga cultural items and remains taken during colonial times.
