RECOVER RESTORE AND DECOLONISE

The RRaD Translation Initiative

Public Statement on Repatriation of Naga Ancestral Remains

First released on May 19, 2023 in English concerning the Naga Ancestral Human Remains, which are in the current care of the Pitt Rivers Museum, Oxford University.

On May 19, 2023, the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) released a Public Statement on Repatriation of Naga Ancestral Remains in English concerning the Naga Ancestral Human Remains, which are in the current care of the Pitt Rivers Museum, Oxford University. In the Public Statement, FNR explained the context and the rationale for agreeing to facilitate the process for a Naga response around the future care and potential repatriation of the human remains to the Naga Homeland. 

FNR’s role as facilitator includes examining the broader historical and political contexts associated with the removal of the Naga ancestral remains from Naga homelands. As a result of this process, Recover, Restore, and Decolonise (RRaD), a research network, was formed to build capacity for the Naga people to engage in this process. 

The Public Statement has now been translated into 24 Naga languages  in order to reach diverse cultural groups and a wider demographic of the Naga population whose first language is not English.

These translations are now uploaded on the RRaD website. RRaD recognizes that this is an ongoing process, and more translations will be added so please check the website for more updates.  

RRaD would like to acknowledge everyone involved in this process – the translators and the people who connected us with them. Thank you for enabling the Public Statement to be translated into the languages of our ancestors.  

With Gratitude

Dr Asangba Tzüdir, Vichutuolie Mere,  Shoyisa Rhakho, Vivosano L. Rose, Vesavolü Rhakho, Medozu Mero, Wongto Chingmak, Sachoiba (Isaac) Inkah, Rev. N. Pomo,  Rev Y. Chingang Konyak, Y. Likhao Humtsoe, Lohrii Soruna, Akho Leyri, Dr. B. Henshet Phom, Rocky Veino, Sinyhunlo Kent, Zhükemilie Kechiwa,  Hichulo Semy, Aguipou Kamei, Ino Inatu Shikhu, Ringyuichon Vashum, T. Tsintsomong Tikhir, Nagayimla Yimchunger, Dr Visor Zeliang, Phamhring Sengul, Dr. Sh. Francis Monsang, Ng. Benithan, Advocate Liangsi Niumai,  Dr Yanbeni Yanthan, Dr Pyobemo Ngully, Khesheli Chishi, Dr Visier Sanyu, G Vashum, Rev Diasok Panmei, Yongchem, Kuvethilü Thüluo, Abieu Meru, Jonah Duo, Dr Manwang Konyak, Sammi Leyri, James Pochury, Dr Aküm Longchari, Dr Ellen Konyak, Dr Wati Aier, Dr Dolly Kikon, Vishü Rita Krocha, & Nepuni Piku. 

Recover, Restore and Decolonise

Imprint

The Recover, Restore and Decolonise (RRaD) contains information and resources relating to the history and effects of the removal and repatriation of Naga Ancestral Remains. RRaD is a website that is constantly being developed and added to. Whilst we aim to only present information on this website that is appropriate for a public space, accurate and up to date, we would like to acknowledge that there are many gaps in the information shared which comes from both the historic record and our own knowledge. Please get in touch at [email protected] or any of our social media handles in our contact page, if you would like to share any thoughts or questions with us regarding repatriation, and/or if you have any comments, queries or suggestions on how we can make this website as useful and usable as possible.

While the Recover, Restore and Decolonise (RRaD) team (including all partner organisations) have used all reasonable endeavours to ensure the information on this site is as accurate as possible, it gives no warranty or guarantee that the material, information or publication made accessible is accurate, complete, current, or fit for any use whatsoever. No reliance should be made by a user of the material, information or publication accessed via this site.

The RRaD team (including all partner organisations) accepts no liability or responsibility for any loss or damage whatsoever suffered as a result of direct or indirect use or application of any material, publication or information made accessible via the website or any of our social media handles.

The RRaD Website provides links to companies/organisations and information external to the RRaD Website. In providing such links, the RRaD team and all partner organisations do not accept responsibility for, or endorse the content or condition of, any linked site. The RRaD team (including all partner organisations) reserves the right to vary the material, information or publication on this web site without notice.

©RRaD

Images used in the website have been used with permission from the creators.

Responsible Use

The purpose of this website is to create widespread awareness about the process of repatriation and the profound impact of colonization on Naga people. Please be warned that some of the information shared here may be distressing as they reference a problematic part of history when our ancestors were referred to as ‘savages’ and ‘inferior.’ There will also be stories of our ancestors who have passed away and their remains which were taken, researched on and displayed without consent by colonizers. We request that you take the information shared here with the gravity it deserves, and we believe that you will honour our guidelines of responsible use. 

  • Please treat the information with care and sensitivity.
  • Share and reflect on the stories to assist healing and reconciliation.
  • Support and engage in the process of repatriation of our ancestral remains.
  • Respect the knowledge shared by community members and their wishes on how it should be shared.