Preserved human heads to go home

Four toi moko or preserved human heads and five skulls are due to be taken from Bristol Museum back to where they originated in New Zealand.

The remains will be collected by people from The Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa who will return them to the communities they came from.

The remains were collected in the 19th Century for scientific study and because of their curiosity value.

They have not been on display to the public since the 1980s.

Prayers said

The New Zealand government has given museum staff at Te Papa Tongarewa a mandate to work with the tribes at home and abroad to repatriate ancestors wherever possible.

During the packing and preparation of the 'tupuna', or ancestors, for their travel home the representatives from Te Papa will carry out certain customary rituals and practices.

These will include carrying out prayers known as karakia in a quiet space where the tupuna have been stored.

"Repatriation of human remains that have been in a museum's care for some time requires sensitivity and understanding," said Councillor Rosalie Walker.

"Staff at Bristol's City Museum and Art Gallery have the utmost respect for the programme from The Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa and wish all the delegates a safe and successful journey back home."