Using Indigenous Frameworks to Bring Poorly Provenanced International Indigenous Collections Home
Using Indigenous Frameworks to Bring Poorly Provenanced International Indigenous Collections Home
Project Description
Deakin University is collaborating with the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS) to identify the provenance of thousands of sacred objects held in overseas museum collections. Led by Dr Jason Gibson, DECRA Research Fellow at ADI, this three-year research project engages with senior Aboriginal men across central Australia to develop a new Indigenous Framework for the return of poorly provenanced sacred objects.
This framework will support the AIATSIS Return of Cultural Heritage (RoCH) program in their ongoing negotiations with overseas collecting institutions and private collectors. By demonstrating an evidence-based, culturally appropriate and community co-designed methodology, the project aims to facilitate the return of sacred objects that lack definitive provenance. The research will confirm the number of central Australian sacred objects held in overseas collections and work with local Aboriginal cultural experts to determine the best approach for future generations and discuss repatriation options to Australia.
Project Team
Senior Research Fellow, Alfred Deakin Institute for Citizenship and Globalisation (ADI).
Dr Iain Johnson
Senior Research Fellow, Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS)
Shaun Angeles
Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS)
Intended Outcomes of the Project
- Development of an Indigenous Framework: Create a culturally appropriate and evidence-based methodology for the repatriation of poorly provenanced sacred objects.
- Enhanced Provenance Research: Identify and confirm the provenance of central Australian sacred objects held in international collections.
- Support for RoCH Program: Provide a robust framework to aid AIATSIS in negotiations with overseas institutions and private collectors.
- Community Engagement: Engage with senior Aboriginal men and local cultural experts to ensure the framework is community co-designed and culturally sensitive.
- Repatriation of Sacred Objects: Facilitate the return of sacred objects to their rightful communities in Australia.
- Future Generations: Ensure that future generations have access to their cultural heritage and sacred objects.
Project Details
Project Start Date: 20 June 2022
Project Finish Date: 6 December 2024
Project Funding: This project is funded by the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies ($400,034.00)