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Repatriation at the Australian Museum

The Australian Museum has many cultural objects derived from various parts of the world. Since some of these have important cultural and political significance for the descendants of particular communities, they are being returned to institutions that represent them. The process of returning cultural property is known as repatriation.

Through the process of repatriating cultural objects, the Australian Museum recognises the important role that these artefacts play in certain communities. Since the late 1970's the Australian Museum has had a policy of repatriating significant objects. Cultural material has been returned to Aboriginal communities in New South Wales, Queensland, the Northern Territory and Western Australia. Objects have also been repatriated overseas to Canada, India, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu. The cultural property that has been returned is often used by the traditional owners to maintain, revive and strengthen their cultural heritage.

The return of cultural items is not just a handing over of objects. Extensive consultation and negotiation with the groups and institutions that have requested the objects are integral to the process of repatriation. Different cultures have varying definitions of which objects are significant. It is also important to establish who has the cultural rights to the material.

Many benefits follow from repatriation. The process establishes and strengthens ongoing reciprocal relationships between the Australian Museum and other institutions and communities. Gifts as well as useful information about other items in the collections often flow as a result of partnerships with traditional owners.

• India
• Pacific Islands

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