39 Naga ancestral remains begin journey home from Oxford University after more than a century

Dimapur: Thirty-nine Naga ancestral remains held at the University of Oxford’s Pitt Rivers Museum for more than a century have been formally handed over to Naga representatives, marking a significant step towards their repatriation to Nagaland.

The handover took place on November 9, when the Oxford University Council transferred custodianship of the remains to the Naga people through the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) and the Naga Tribe Hoho. They are now being returned to their home, with Naga Solidarity Park in Kohima designated as their burial site.

The transfer followed a six-year process facilitated by the FNR, which began in 2020. The Transfer of Title Form was signed by Professor Laura Van Broekhoven on behalf of the Pitt Rivers Museum and Rev. Dr. Wati Aier on behalf of the FNR. It was attested by Visier Sanyü, representing the FNR, and Thejao Vihienuo, representing the Naga Tribe Hoho.

Preparations for the burial had already begun in Kohima ahead of the formal handover. The Naga Solidarity Park Management Committee allocated a site for the 39 remains following requests from the FNR and Naga tribal hohos. A prayer service was held on November 7, followed by site clearance and ground preparation.

The repatriation process, however, has faced objections. The Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN) had urged the University of Oxford to suspend the proposed handover and review the process.

At the November 9 ceremony, Oxford University Vice-Chancellor Professor Irene Tracey described the handover as historic, recognising it as a community-led initiative centred on reconciliation, healing and peace.

Speaking on behalf of the Naga Tribe Hoho, Thejao Vihienuo said the repatriation was a Naga right to care for their ancestors and an acknowledgement of shared humanity. He also said all Naga ancestral remains held in museums should be returned to their homeland with dignity.

Rev. Dr. Ellen Konyak, coordinator of the Recover, Restore and Decolonise (RRaD) team, said the repatriation is not an end but a new beginning for the Naga people to shape their own story.

The ceremony also featured the chant Langhon Langpheng Ngao, performed by Nyamto Wangsha, expressing the belief that the return of ancestors bring healing to villages. NT Thamlong Phom and Dr. Moishen Metjei Phom presented the song Nyokei Shemei Leishah, reflecting the sentiments surrounding the return of the ancestors.