Kohima, Oct 8: The Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) has expressed strong condemnation regarding the auction of a Naga ancestral human skull, referred to as a “19th century horned Naga human skull,” which is scheduled for sale on October 9, 2024, by Swan Fine Art in Tetsworth, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom. The FNR noted that the skull is valued at an estimated 3,500-4,000 UK pounds and originates from the Ex Francois Coppens Collection in Belgium. It is included in an auction titled “The Curious Collector Sale,” which features various items such as antiquarian books, manuscripts, paintings, jewelry, ceramics, and furniture.
In a letter addressed to Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, the FNR urged immediate intervention to prevent the auction from proceeding. The organization denounced the practice of treating Indigenous human remains as collector’s items, asserting that such auctions perpetuate dehumanization and reflect a legacy of colonial violence against the Naga people. The FNR emphasized the urgency for the repatriation of Naga ancestral remains, particularly as they engage in a dialogue process with the Recover, Restore and Decolonize Team (RRaD) to facilitate the return of remains currently held at the Pitt Rivers Museum at Oxford University.
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio quickly addressed the situation by writing to S. Jaishankar, the Union Minister for External Affairs, requesting immediate attention and intervention. He urged Jaishankar to coordinate with the Indian High Commission in the UK to take necessary steps to halt the auction. Rio highlighted the significant contributions of the FNR to peace, reconciliation, and unity within Naga society, noting that the news of the proposed auction has been met with widespread disapproval among the public.
“This is a highly emotional and sacred issue for our people, as we have traditionally held deep respect and honor for the remains of the deceased,” Rio stated. He added that the remains of any deceased individual rightfully belong to their people and their land, emphasizing that auctioning human remains is not only deeply hurtful to the sentiments of the Naga people but also an act of dehumanization, perpetuating ongoing colonial violence.
In his letter, the Chief Minister urged Jaishankar to ensure that the auction of the Naga human remains is halted, reinforcing that this issue has become a serious concern among the citizens of Nagaland. He called on the Government of India to take all necessary actions to protect the rights and sentiments of the Naga people regarding this sensitive matter.
