Reburial and Repatriation

The BRITISH ASSOCIATION FOR BIOLOGICAL ANTHROPOLOGY AND
Osteoarchaeology (BABAO) exists to promote the study of the biological remains of past peoples. Although, in common with most of the UK academic community, we endorse the value of scientific research on human remains, we acknowledge that for contested remains, repatriation may sometimes be a more correct response than continued retention. In relation to this issue we support the recent Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) Guidance for the Care of Human Remains in Museums, which provides a framework for handling claims and evaluating the status of claimants.

Below are links to some recent publications and communications by BABAO relating to current repatriation and reburial issues.

BABAO

Letter published in Museum Archaeologists News Summer 2007

Letter published in Museums Journal July 2007

Press Statement issued by BABAO in response to NHM handover of Tasmanian Remains (May 2007)

"Ancestors of us all" article published in Museums Journal Jan. 2007

Letter to the Natural History Museum in response to decision regarding the repatriation of Tasmanian remains (Jan. 2007)

Letter published in Museums Journal in response to articles discussing the repatriation of Tasmanian Remains (Nov. 2006)