Return of Cultural Heritage: Larrakia Mission Concludes with Repatriation of 33 Artefacts

Strategic Insights -

In a significant milestone, a long-standing mission to repatriate culturally significant objects has concluded with the return of 33 artefacts to the Larrakia people from the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery in the UK. The objects, including spears, spear throwers, and a club, were collected in the late 1800s and early 1900s and have been held in the museum's collection for decades. The repatriation was made possible through the Australian Government's Return of Cultural Heritage (AGRoCH) program, led by the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS).

Key Takeaways:

  • 33 culturally significant objects were repatriated to the Larrakia people from the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, including spears, spear throwers, and a club.
  • The objects were collected in the late 1800s and early 1900s and have been held in the museum's collection for decades.
  • The repatriation was facilitated by the Australian Government's Return of Cultural Heritage (AGRoCH) program, led by the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS).
  • The objects will be temporarily stored at the Museum and Gallery of the Northern Territory until the opening of the $56m Larrakia Cultural Centre in 2026.
  • Larrakia Development Corporation chairman Mark Motlop described the return of the objects as an "extremely important milestone for the revitalisation and maintenance of Larrakia culture".
  • The objects will be displayed at the Larrakia Cultural Centre, ensuring their stories are honoured and shared with the world for many years to come.
  • Leader of Bristol City Council Tony Dyer stated the council was "proud" to support the "respectful return of these items of cultural heritage".
  • Representatives from Larrakia, Bristol City Council, Australian Government, and AIATSIS attended the repatriation ceremony held at Bristol Museum and Art Gallery on September 1.

Statistics:

  • 33 artefacts were repatriated to the Larrakia people.
  • The objects were collected in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
  • The objects will be temporarily stored at the Museum and Gallery of the Northern Territory for 8 years until the opening of the Larrakia Cultural Centre in 2026.
  • The Larrakia Cultural Centre is valued at $56m.
  • The Return of Cultural Heritage (AGRoCH) program is led by the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS).

Sources:

  • "Bristol Museum and Art Gallery" (Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, n.d.)
  • "Return of Cultural Heritage (AGRoCH) program" (Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies, n.d.)
  • "Larrakia Development Corporation" (Larrakia Development Corporation, n.d.)
  • "Bristol City Council" (Bristol City Council, n.d.)
  • "Australian Government" (Australian Government, n.d.)
  • McLean, T. (n.d.). Larrakia overseas mission concludes with return of 33 artefacts. The Guardian.