Professor Dolly Kikon has revealed a troubling pattern involving the auction of Naga human remains, particularly decorated skulls, often surfacing in private auctions worldwide. Despite unclear numbers, such items were highlighted by the planned auction of a Naga horned skull in the UK, which, after public backlash led by the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR), was withdrawn by Swan Fine Art. This incident spotlighted the larger issue of the illegal trade in human remains, prompting the removal of similar artifacts from various regions, including Africa and South America.
Professor Kikon, from the University of California, emphasized that under current UK laws, trade in antique human remains is quite unregulated, requiring international legal reforms to end this dehumanizing practice. The FNR and the Recover, Restore, and Decolonize (RRaD) team are working to repatriate around 213 Naga human remains from the Pitt Rivers Museum in the UK. Rev Dr. Wati Aier, FNR Convenor, noted the deep psychological and cultural wounds this trade inflicts on the Naga people, echoing colonial trauma.
Engaging seven Nagaland tribes, the FNR and RRaD aim to push forward the repatriation process, underscoring the importance of halting the circulation of these remains. Despite being hopeful about raising awareness, Professor Kikon stressed that indigenous peoples’ ancestral remains should not be commercialized.
Highlighting the importance of moral conscience and ethical practices in such matters, she emphasized the need for Naga communities to reclaim authority over their history and culture. Rev Aier pointed out that while not all Nagas are currently engaged with repatriation efforts, he sees it as vital for constructing cohesive socio-political identities. He urged younger generations to step up, emphasizing that the repatriation process is integral to a broader cultural and historical narrative that the Naga people must own and advocate.
Original Story https://www.morungexpress.com/trade-and-dehumanisation-of-naga-human-remains
Category : Nagaland
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Publish Date: 2024-10-26 04:12:00
