I normally do not do this, but the link is acting up...so I will post the article here...then link back to its original location.


Sacred Relics Could Be Returned To New Zealand

"Human remains sacred to Maoris, which have been held in Perth museum for nearly 200 years, could be on their way back to New Zealand.

The remains, two tattooed heads, were sent to Perth in 1825 by local man David Ramsay.

But the Museum of New Zealand has now asked for them back and the request will be considered by Perth and Kinross Council's lifelong learning committee on Wednesday.

The Museum of New Zealand is co-ordinating a formal repatriation programme of Maori remains from museums and collections worldwide.

As part of the research phase of the programme, staff at Perth museum provided information on the two "toi moko" or tattooed heads in its collection.

After a visit from their counterparts in New Zealand, the heads were confirmed as being of Maori origin.

The ancestral remains are sacred to Maoris, whose knowledge is embodied in genealogical ties.

If repatriated, the heads would be placed alongside other sacred artifacts in a special repository and cared for in accordance with Maori custom.

The repatriation programme is being fully backed by the New Zealand government.

David Ramsay studied medicine at Edinburgh University and became a ship's surgeon, before settling in Australia in 1822.

While there he acquired "curiosities" from ships' captains and auction houses.

Staff from the Museum of New Zealand are working with the Maori community to try to trace the origins of the Perth toi moko. Councillors will be told that the cultural importance of the remains to the Maori community far outweighs the value of them remaining in Perth."



Found at:

Sacred Relics Could Be Returned To New Zealand
The Press and Journal