A 19th-century Naga skull auction in the UK has ignited widespread backlash, highlighting the sensitive issue of Indigenous human remains and the legacy of colonialism. The “horned Naga skull,” valued at £3,500-£4,500, was withdrawn after protests from Nagaland authorities and Indian officials. The incident has drawn attention to the ongoing debate over colonial artifacts and the unethical sale of Indigenous remains.

Auction Sparks Protest

The auction, which featured remains from Papua New Guinea, Borneo, the Solomon Islands, and African countries like Benin, Congo, and Nigeria, faced significant opposition from the Nagaland Chief Minister and civil society groups. They condemned the sale as an extension of colonial-era racism, which historically depicted the Naga people as “savages” and “headhunters.”

Ethical Violations and UNDRIP Concerns

Critics argue that the auction violated Article 15 of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), which protects the dignity and cultural diversity of Indigenous communities. The sale of stolen human remains is seen as an ethical violation and a disrespect to the Naga culture and heritage.

Repatriation of Naga Ancestral Remains

The Naga community has been actively working to repatriate ancestral remains from institutions like the Pitt Rivers Museum in Oxford, which holds 6,500 Naga artifacts collected during British colonial rule. The withdrawal of the Naga skull from auction adds momentum to their efforts to reclaim their cultural heritage.