A museum's evolution from colonial trophy room to decolonial laboratory

Health · Published 18 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: The Pitt Rivers Museum houses over 600,000 objects, many acquired by colonial officials and missionaries. For decades, it maintained a rigid typological display based on evolutionary theories of human culture. Today, it is undergoing a radical transformation, moving from displaying human remains to actively partnering with originating communities.

Founded in 1884 by Augustus Pitt Rivers, the museum was built on a specific 'Deed of Gift' that mandated its unique typological organization. Rather than grouping items by age or geography, objects are displayed according to how they were used. This layout was designed to show a perceived progression from simple to complex human culture—an evolutionary approach to material culture that modern curators now recognize as largely inappropriate for contemporary archaeological and anthropological standards.

The museum's history is deeply intertwined with the era of empire. Its vast collection grew significantly through donations from travelers, scholars, and colonial officials. This legacy includes controversial items like shrunken heads (Tsantsas), which were displayed from the 1940s until their removal in September 2020. The museum's director stated that these displays reinforced racist and stereotypical thinking that contradicted the institution's core values.

In recent years, the museum has positioned itself as a leader in decoloniality. It is actively addressing historical errors by meeting with originating communities to discuss repatriation and information gaps. Notable actions include returning 17 Aboriginal Australian remains in 2022 and agreeing to repatriate Naga skeletal remains in 2026. These efforts are complemented by initiatives like the Living Cultures project, a collaboration with Maasai community groups to ensure indigenous voices shape the narrative of cultural heritage.

Beyond physical repatriation, the museum is exploring new ways to handle ethical disagreements regarding ancestral remains. Researchers are testing interactive workshops and digital participation technologies to create inclusive spaces for anonymous public input on emotive subjects. These methods aim to navigate the tension between scientific inquiry and respect for the dignity of lived lives.

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