Historic Repatriation: Oxford University Returns Naga Remains After Over a Century

In a historic gesture, the University of Oxford has repatriated the remains of 39 Naga individuals after more than a century. This significant event, attended by representatives from the Naga community, symbolizes a step towards healing and reconciliation. The remains were formally handed over at the Pitt Rivers Museum and are now on their way back to Nagaland for burial at Naga Solidarity Park. This initiative reflects a community-led effort to honor ancestral ties and promote unity among the Naga people, transcending historical divisions.

By Narendra Chaudhary Nov 10, 2026, 15:23 IST

A Significant Step Towards Reconciliation

Dimapur/Kohima: In a landmark move, the University of Oxford has returned the remains of 39 individuals from the Naga community, which had been housed at its Pitt Rivers Museum for over a century. This repatriation marks a significant moment in the ongoing efforts for reconciliation.

The formal handover took place during a ceremony at the museum on Monday, where the remains were presented to the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) and the Naga Tribe Hoho.

The transfer was officiated by Professor Laura Van Broekhoven, the director of the Pitt Rivers Museum, and Rev Dr Wati Aier, representing the FNR. The event was also attended by Visier Sanyu and Thejao Vihienuo, who represented their respective organizations.

Following the ceremony, the ancestral remains began their journey back to Nagaland, as confirmed by a statement from the FNR on Tuesday.

These remains were part of the Pitt Rivers Museum's collection, which has been showcasing cultural artifacts since its establishment in 1884.

During the ceremony, Professor Irene Tracey, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Oxford, highlighted the significance of this event in strengthening ties between the university and the Naga people.

She emphasized that this initiative symbolizes a community-driven approach to healing and reconciliation.

Sanyu reflected on the historical impact of British colonialism on Naga communities, sharing personal stories of violence and loss.

He underscored the necessity of forgiveness and reconciliation, quoting the late Naga peace activist Niketu Iralu: 'Hate not transformed is transferred.'

Thejao Vihienuo, president of the Angami Public Organisation, expressed that the return of these remains is a rightful act for the Naga people to honor their ancestors.

He urged for the repatriation of all Naga ancestral remains from museums to their homeland with the respect they deserve.

Preparations are now underway for the burial of the remains at Naga Solidarity Park in Kohima, with the Management Committee designating a specific site for this purpose.

A prayer service has already been conducted at the park to initiate the preparations for the burial site, as stated by the committee's convenor, Vipopal Kintsi.

This burial aims to create a shared resting place for the ancestral remains, fostering healing, reconciliation, and unity among the Naga people.

Kintsi noted that the return of these remains should rise above historical and tribal differences, reinforcing a collective Naga identity.