On Sunday 5 May, Te Papa held a private pōwhiri (welcome) to mark the return home of 121 Māori and Moriori ancestral remains from Germany and The Netherlands.

The 121 tūpuna (Māori ancestors) and karāpuna (Moriori ancestors) have been repatriated from the Charité Institution in Berlin and Museum Vrolik in Amsterdam.

The Toi moko (preserved Māori tattooed head) and kōiwi tangata (skeletal remains) were brought on to Rongomaraeroa Marae at the beginning of the ceremony.

Te Papa’s Kaihautū (Māori co-leader) Dr Arapata Hakiwai said: “The connection to the tūpuna (ancestors) is continuous, despite time and location, and it is our duty to bring them back to their home.”

“There is a growing awareness among overseas institutions about the importance of repatriating ancestral remains. Te Papa is pleased to be able to work with international institutions in order to facilitate the safe return of the ancestors to their iwi (tribes). Their genuine commitment to the repatriation of indigenous remains allows our country to resolve a very dark period in our history,” Dr Hakiwai said.

After the pōwhiri, the tūpuna will rest at Te Papa’s wāhi tapu (sacred repository) while additional research unveils their place of origin around the country. The programme presently has active conversations with a number of iwi to ensure the safe return of their ancestors in the future.

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