Historic Return of Aboriginal Spears to Australia Marks a Significant Milestone
In a significant event, a British university has returned four spears to an Aboriginal community in Australia after over 250 years. These spears were originally taken by Captain James Cook, marking a historic and symbolic gesture of reconciliation.
A British university has returned four spears that were taken over 250 years ago from an Aboriginal community in Australia by explorer Captain James Cook.
Trinity College Cambridge officially gave back the spears to the La Perouse Aboriginal Community at a special ceremony on Tuesday. This decision was made in collaboration with the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS), who fully supported the repatriation.
The four spears are the only ones left from a set of 40 that Captain Cook's expedition acquired from the Gweagal people at Kamay on April 29, 1770.
Ray Ingrey, director of the Gujaga Foundation, a research organization in the La Perouse community, mentioned that these spears mark one of the earliest encounters between Europeans, specifically the British, and the Aboriginal people of Australia.
I believe this is a significant moment for us. It all started in 1770 at Kurnell, Botany Bay, where Australia's history began. The spears, which were taken without permission, are now being returned to their rightful owners.
The spears pictured with a number of those involved in their repatriation.
The spears pictured with a number of those involved in their repatriation.
AIATSIS
Cook sailed to Australia and New Zealand aboard the HMS Endeavour, which was the first documented European contact with eastern Australia.
As a result of British colonization in Australia, foreign diseases were introduced, leading to displacement and massacres of the aboriginal people.
The spears were given to Trinity College in 1771 and have been held in the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology (MAA) in Cambridge since the early 20th century.
Gweagal Elder Uncle Rod Mason (left) at a spear making cultural camp.
Gweagal Elder Uncle Rod Mason (left) at a spear making cultural camp.
National Museum of Australia
Some members of the La Perouse Aboriginal Community are descendants of the spear crafters, as mentioned in a statement. Noeleen Timbery, chair of the La Perouse Local Aboriginal Land Council, emphasized their significance, stating, "They are a vital link to our history, traditions, cultural practices, and ancestors."
Our Elders have dedicated many years to ensure that ownership of Botany Bay is transferred to the traditional owners.
The college has decided to return the spears in March 2023, after lending them to Australian museums in 2015 and 2020.
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The wreckage of Captain Cook's HMS Endeavour has been found. Sally Davies, the master of Trinity, expressed that this discovery is a significant and special moment for everyone involved in the process. It has been a rewarding and respectful journey for all parties.
Trinity is dedicated to examining the intricate histories of the British empire, including those found in our collections. This decision is the right one.
The spears will be showcased at a brand new visitor center set to be built in Kurnel, Kamay.
Other universities and cultural institutions have also been returning stolen or looted artifacts, following Cambridge's decision to return the spears to the La Perouse community.
Museums are facing pressure from Indigenous activists who have been campaigning for decades. They are being urged to reassess the origin of their collections and confront the cultural impact of colonialism.
Editor's P/S:
The return of these spears to the La Perouse Aboriginal Community marks a significant step towards reconciliation and the recognition of the cultural significance of these artifacts. It is a reminder of the painful history of colonialism and its lasting impact on indigenous communities. The spears represent not only a connection to the past but also a symbol of hope for the future, as communities work to reclaim their heritage and strengthen their cultural identity.
The decision by Trinity College Cambridge to return the spears is a commendable example of institutions taking responsibility for their role in the preservation and repatriation of stolen artifacts. It highlights the growing awareness of the importance of respecting indigenous rights and acknowledging the cultural and historical significance of these objects. As other universities and cultural institutions follow suit, it is hoped that this movement will continue to gain momentum, leading to the return of countless looted artifacts to their rightful owners.
