‘Mummies’ to be returned home

Oct 16 2007 by Vicky Anderson, Liverpool Daily Post

MUMMIFIED aboriginal remains donated to Liverpool Museum are to be returned to their native land following requests from the Australian government.

New Zealand has also asked for remains in the museum’s collection be repatriated.

The strong cultural, spiritual and religious significance of the bodies meant that National Museums Liverpool has agreed to return all the Australian human remains in its possession.

All were brought from Australia more than 50 years ago. None has been on public display or used for research or educational purposes but they may have possible value for future scientific research in Australia.

Once returned, the remains will be stored in a sacred keeping place at the National Museum of Australia, Canberra.

Studies are being undertaken into population relationships and movements, past diet, health, disease, mortality and previous cultural practices.

They will be given the culturally-appropriate care which NML cannot provide, and could eventually be buried if returned to their original communities.

Dr David Fleming, director of National Museums Liverpool, said: “The repatriation of cultural items to their countries of origin is a complex, emotive and sensitive issue.

“Later this year human remains will be repatriated to New Zealand at the request of Te Papa, the National Museum of New Zealand.”

A date for the return of the bodies has yet to be fixed.

vickyanderson