Restitution of Human Remains in Museum Practice: A Need for Collaboration with Communities

Abstract

Over the past few decades, the discourse around museums and museum practice has surrounded repatriation and restitution. The presence of stolen and unprovenanced human remains within the collections of museums and institutions is part of this ongoing discourse. Here, I argue that restitution of human remains is necessary to the decolonization of museums and museum practice. Additionally, the restitution process requires continuous community engagement and collaboration.