Bristol Museum & Art Gallery has formally returned 33 culturally significant artifacts to the Larrakia People of Darwin in Australia's Northern Territory, marking a milestone in international cultural cooperation. The objects, which include spears, spear throwers, and a club, were collected in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and had been held in the museum's collection for decades.
A handover ceremony was held at the museum on September 1, 2025, to commemorate what has been described as a significant act of international cooperation and cultural recognition. The event brought together community leaders and international guests, including Larrakia representatives Nigel Browne and Mikayla Lee, Australia's UK High Commissioner Stephen Smith, Bristol Lord Mayor Henry Michallat, and Bristol City Council leader Tony Dyer.
The repatriation is part of the Australian Government's Return of Cultural Heritage program, which is led by the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS). The returned objects will be temporarily housed at the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory until the opening of the Larrakia Cultural Centre in 2026.
The upcoming Larrakia Cultural Centre is currently being constructed adjacent to the sacred site of Stokes Hill in Darwin Harbour and is planned as a landmark cultural facility. It is intended to serve as a hub for cultural tourism, language revitalization, and education, offering people a chance to engage with Larrakia knowledge and traditions through the lens of Traditional Owners.
This week's repatriation follows the return of cultural objects to Larrakia from the Fowler Museum in Los Angeles in May. Mark Motlop, chairperson of the Larrakia Development Corporation and a Larrakia man, emphasized the emotional significance of the moment. "Today is an extremely important milestone for the revitalization and maintenance of Larrakia culture, now and for future generations, as we accept these culturally significant artifacts from the Bristol Museum back to the rightful custodianship of Larrakia people," he said.
Motlop further explained the profound impact of the repatriation: "It has been a long and emotional journey for Larrakia people in the repatriation of these items to Larrakia Country – one that will facilitate healing and the intergenerational transfer of knowledge. Once returned to their rightful place on Larrakia Country, in Darwin, Australia, these items will be displayed at the Larrakia Cultural Centre, opening in 2026, ensuring their stories are honored and shared with the world for many years to come."
During the ceremony, Bristol City Council leader Dyer expressed pride in the collaborative effort. "We are proud to support the respectful return of these items of cultural heritage to the Larrakia People," he said. "We are grateful to have been able to work closely with everyone involved in this formal repatriation. This international collaboration has allowed us to take a powerful and significant step forward towards shared understanding and partnership."
Leonard Hill, the CEO of AIATSIS, highlighted the importance of collaboration between communities and institutions in restoring cultural authority and supporting intergenerational knowledge. "These items belong with their people, on their Country, where they can once again contribute to cultural life and intergenerational knowledge," he stated.
Museums Association director Sharon Heal, who attended the ceremony, commended Bristol Museum for its ethical approach to restitution. "It was an honor to be at the handover ceremony and deeply moving to see the profound impact of the return of the objects to representatives of the Larrakia community," she said. "Bristol Museum has taken an ethical and proactive approach to restitution over many years and has built lasting international relationships as a result, as well as deepening the understanding of its collections. This restitution shows once again that the work is possible if there's a will to do it, and it's great to see regional museums leading the way."
