Following a lengthy consultation process, Trinity College, Cambridge, and the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology (MAA) have returned four Gweagal spears to the rightful custodians, the La Perouse Aboriginal Community. These spears hold immense cultural and historical significance for the community, acting as a tangible link to their ancestors and cultural practices.
Noleen Timbery, representing the La Perouse Aboriginal Land Council, acknowledged the significance of the repatriation ceremony, expressing that the spears embody a connection to the past, present, and future generations. She highlighted the community’s gratitude for the tireless efforts of their Elders in facilitating the return of these precious artifacts.
During the emotionally charged ceremony, Ms. Timbery emphasized the importance of ongoing dialogues and partnerships with cultural institutions worldwide to promote the repatriation of culturally significant items. She expressed appreciation for the willingness of institutions like Trinity College to engage in respectful conversations and embark on a journey of understanding different cultural perspectives.
David Johnson, a direct descendant of the Gweagal ancestors who first encountered James Cook, shared insights into the warriors’ perspectives during that pivotal moment. He explained that the warriors perceived the arrival of the Endeavour through a spiritual lens and aimed to deter the crew’s advancement onto their shores by throwing stones and spears. Johnson clarified that their intention was not to inflict harm but to protect their territory.
The decision to return the spears is the culmination of almost two decades of advocacy and collaboration between the La Perouse Aboriginal Community, Trinity College, Cambridge, the Cambridge Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, the Gujaga Foundation, and the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS). Minister for Indigenous Australians Linda Burney acknowledged the significance of this act in fostering reconciliation and understanding between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.
The spears will be temporarily housed at the Chau Chak Wing Museum at the University of Sydney until a new visitor center is constructed at Kurnell, Kamay. This center will serve as a permanent home for the spears, where they will be accessible to the community and visitors, providing an opportunity to engage with the rich cultural history of the Gweagal people and the shared history of Australia.
