Scientists use the collection to study human origins, population diversity and distribution as well as the past environments in which humans lived. Many of the Museum’s Tasmanian remains are of particular interest because they represent people from a time when Tasmania was isolated from the rest of the world, meaning they are genetically different from other human populations, including those in mainland Australia.
However, the loss to science of such objects is becoming increasingly balanced against the wishes of the Aboriginal communities to whom they belong.
Dr Michael Dixon, Director of the Natural History Museum added, “We acknowledge our decision may be questioned by community groups or by some scientists. However, we believe the decision to return the Tasmanian remains, following a short period of data collection, is a commonsense one that balances the requirements of all those with an interest in the remains.”
During the 20th century a number of organisations, including the Wellcome Trust and the Royal College of Surgeons, transferred their collections of human skeletal remains to the Natural History Museum, to form the national collection.
One such transferred object, an Australian Aboriginal skull, given to the Museum by the Royal College of Surgeons in 1955 is also to be returned following further discussions with the Australian Government. Copies of the original donation letters to the Royal College of Surgeons have been obtained which led to the identification of a particular skull that appears to have been removed illegally from Australia in the early 20th century.
The NHM’s collection policy prevents the acquisition of, and research on, specimens that have been collected illegally by laws in place at the time.
A collection of data, including DNA analysis, from the Tasmanian human remains will be made prior to their return.