What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
The proposed auction of a 19th-century horned Naga skull in England has sparked outrage and calls for intervention from Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio. This incident is not just a matter of cultural insensitivity but a stark reminder of the atrocities committed during the era of Imperial Britain. The auction, which was set to take place on October 9, has been described as “dehumanising” and a continuation of colonial violence.
The British Empire’s expansion was marked by the exploitation and dehumanization of indigenous populations. The Naga people, like many other indigenous groups, suffered immensely under British colonial rule. The collection and display of human remains, such as the Naga skull, were part of a broader practice of treating colonized peoples as curiosities rather than human beings. These acts were not only disrespectful but also aimed at asserting dominance and control over the colonized.
The auctioning of human remains is a deeply insensitive act that disregards the cultural and emotional significance these items hold for the Naga people. Chief Minister Rio’s letter to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar highlights the emotional and sacred nature of the issue for the Naga community. The proposed auction has been received negatively by all sections of society in Nagaland, as it is seen as an act of dehumanization and continued colonial violence.
The Naga community has been actively engaged in efforts to repatriate ancestral human remains from institutions like the Pitts River Museum in Oxford. These remains, collected during the British Empire’s expansion, have been housed in museums for over a century. The Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) has been a key facilitator in this ongoing process, emphasizing the urgency of making repatriation a priority. The proposed auction underscores the need for a more robust and respectful approach to repatriation efforts.
The Indian government must take a firm stand against such dehumanizing acts. Chief Minister Rio has urged the Ministry of External Affairs to intervene and ensure that the auction is halted. This incident should serve as a wake-up call for the international community to address the lingering impacts of colonialism and to respect the cultural heritage and human rights of indigenous peoples.
