LONDON, ENGLAND.- The Horniman Museum returned a collection of human remains that had been stored there for decades. A group of Aboriginal people took the remains this weekend and will give them a traditional burial in Australia. The cultural officer for the Foundation for Aboriginal and Islander Research Action, Bob Weatherall, has been fighting for more than 20 years for the return of the remains of his people’s ancestors.
Bob Weatherall commented: “We believe that when you die your spirit cannot rest until a traditional ceremony is held. Some of the remains have been in the hands of museums for over 100 years. Scientists have been researching these bodies without our consent and that goes against everything we believe in. "
Sir Neil Chalmers, director of the Natural History Museum, said "The group are aware that currently the museum’s trustees are legally bound to care for and maintain the collection of human remains."
Jennifer Beever, assistant director of the Horniman Museum, said: "The law doesn’t cover us because we are not a national museum. It is not altogether clear how the museum came by them, but we are very pleased that they have returned to Australia."