Archive · 8 Sep 2026
Oxford Museum to Return 39 Colonial-Era Remains to Naga People
Oxford University has agreed to return the remains of 39 people to the Naga community.
The remains were taken to Britain during the colonial era.
They are currently held by the Pitt Rivers Museum.
The Forum for Naga Reconciliation asked for 40 sets of remains.
The university decided that 39 could be returned.
It said one set did not clearly come from the Naga community.
The Naga organisations said returning the remains would also bring memories back home.
A ceremony will be planned, but no date has been announced.
Oxford University approved the return of 39 human remains to the Naga community in northeast India.
The remains were collected in the early 20th century by British colonial administrators.
The Forum for Naga Reconciliation requested the return of 40 sets of remains.
One specimen was excluded because its provenance as Naga was unclear.
Pitt Rivers Museum is working with the Naga community to arrange a handover ceremony.
- Who
- Oxford University, the Pitt Rivers Museum, the Forum for Naga Reconciliation, and Naga organisations are involved.
- What
- The remains of 39 people will be repatriated to the Naga community; one of 40 requested sets was excluded.
- When
- The remains were collected in the early 20th century; Oxford University approved the return on July 13, and no handover date has been set.
- Where
- The remains are held by the Pitt Rivers Museum in Oxford and are being returned to the Naga community in northeast India.
- Why
- The remains were taken during Britain's colonial era, and the Naga community sought their return to their homeland.
- Approved return
- 39 sets of human remains
- Original request
- 40 sets of human remains
- Institution
- Oxford University's Pitt Rivers Museum
- Collection period
- Early 20th century
- Reason for exclusion
- One specimen did not have clear provenance as Naga
- Handover date
- Not yet set
- Community representative
- Forum for Naga Reconciliation