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THE ancient tradition of the aboriginal smoking ceremony came to Liverpool city centre yesterday to mark the return of an indigenous human skull to its homeland.

An elaborate dance involving a collection of ceremonial boomerangs was performed by the colourfully painted spiritual leader of the Ngarrindjeri people.

He also sang and used smouldering eucalyptus leaves to ward off evil spirits as part of the traditional ceremony.

The wet and windy weather, and urban setting, meant the scene was as far removed from the Australian outback as could be imagined.

But this did not seem to matter to the audience of around 100 passers-by and school parties who gathered to witness the ceremony outside World Museum Liverpool.

The skull is the first of the remains of three individuals being returned to Australia by National Museums Liverpool (NML).

They were purchased from Dr William Broad, of Liverpool, in 1948. He visited Australia between 1902 and 1904 and published works on Australian skeletal remains.

The skull will initially be kept at the National Museum of Australia in Canberra for possible scientific research.

Eventually, all the remains may be buried if returned to their original communities.

Major Sumner, the spiritual leader of the Ngarrindjeri people, said the return of the skull was an emotional moment.

He added: “It’s a member of our family and has been here for a long time. I’m sure his spirit is happy to be going home.

“It was good to see so many people here. I’m sure they will go away and tell other people that they experienced a ceremony they will probably never witness again in their lives.”

Major Sumner was accompanied by George Trevorrow, the leader of the Ngarrindjeri people.