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Tasmanian Ash Bundles

Return of Tasmanian Ash Bundles

The case
The passing of the Human Tissue Act in 2004 enabled the Trustees of the British Museum to agree to the return two Tasmanian ash bundles to the Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre on 24th March 2006. The two bundles, each containing some ash from a human cremation site, are wrapped in animal skin. They were acquired by George Augustus Robinson in about 1838. The bundles entered the collection of the British Museum via the Royal College of Surgeons in 1882.

Ash bundles were used as amulets against sickness by their owners. Their acquisition represented an interruption in the process which would have ultimately led to the remains being laid to rest.  Whilst in the collection of the British Museums, the objects have been studied, photographed and published. Their retention in London for study will not yield any further information of significance.

Baroness Helena Kennedy QC, leading human rights lawyer and the Trustee who led the discussion, said, 'The Trustees are clear that the removal of the cremation ash bundles from the collection is the right course of action. The Museum looks forward to continuing to work with indigenous Australian communities in furthering the worldwide public understanding of Australian aboriginal culture, both past and present'.

The objects will be physically returned in the second half of 2006.

Procedures followed
Several previous claims for the return of the ash bundles could not be considered until the Human Tissue Act was changed in 2005. After taking independent expert advice on the matter, and according to their published policy the Trustees came to the view that the cultural and religious importance of the cremation ash bundles to the Tasmanian Aboriginal community outweighed any other public benefit that would have flowed from their retention in the collection.

Quote
Baroness Helena Kennedy QC, leading human rights lawyer and the Trustee who led the discussion, said, 'The Trustees are clear that the removal of the cremation ash bundles from the collection is the right course of action. The Museum looks forward to continuing to work with indigenous Australian communities in furthering the worldwide public understanding of Australian aboriginal culture, both past and present'.

Lessons learnt

• Each claim needs to be treated on a case by case basis;
• It is of key importance to liaise with source communities and to be aware of sensitivities;
• Researching and discussing a claim is an opportunity to learn more about the history and customs of source community.

Further Information
Hannah Boulton, press officer T 020 7323 8522
E hboulton@thebritishmuseum.ac.uk