Horniman returns Warumungu artefacts to Australia

​London's Horniman Museum & Gardens is to return 10 objects, including two wartilykirri (boomerangs) and a ngurrulumuru (stone axe), to the Warumungu community in Australia. 

A formal request for repatriation of the objects was made in May 23. 

The objects – all of cultural and spiritual importance –  will be handed over later this year to be housed at the Nyinkka Nyunyu Art and Culture Centre in Tennant Creek, Northern Australia, where they will be cared for in accordance with the traditions and customs of the Warumungu peoples.

Michael Jones Jampijinpa, senior Warumungu man said: "They are Warumungu and they need to come back to Warumungu country."

“I want to thank [the Horniman Museum] for sending those things back to us. They’ve made a choice to send them back to where they belong. It wasn’t them who collected it, it was their ancestors, so I want to thank them.”

Michael Salter-Church, Chair of the Horniman said: “These objects are of the utmost significance for the Warumungu people, and were lost to them in circumstances where they were compelled to sell or give them away. We are pleased to be able to return them to the care of their original community.”

The Charity Commission has endorsed the transfer of nine of the objects noting the trustees' “moral obligation”.