Toi Moko
Repatriation of sacred remains
Toi moko is the name given to human remains of Maori
origin. Most specifically they refer to the heads of Maori warriors
killed in battle. Such remains are considered sacred by the Maori
to whom their appropriation by other cultures is a source of
distress.
In the early 1820s, David Ramsay, a ship's surgeon who was born in
Perth (Scotland) and had settled in Australia by 1822, sent home
the gift of two toi moko to the Literary & Antiquarian
Society of Perth.
Ramsay acquired objects from ship's captains and from Australian
auction houses. Unfortunately associated data, so crucial in the
understanding, interpretation and identification of objects, often
became lost in the process. The identity of the Perth toi
moko was never known.
With the change in tolerance and understanding during the 20th
century, the sensitivity of the toi moko was recognised in
Perth and they were not displayed.
In 2005, following a request by Te Papa
Tongarewa (The Museum of New Zealand) Perth & Kinross
Council agreed that the Perth toi moko be repatriated to
their native country.
The toi moko were accorded full reverence as they were
transferred from the care of the Museum and Art Gallery to the care
of Te Papa.
Since their repatriation the toi moko are deposited in Te
Papa?s Wâhi Tapu (consecrated repository), along
with all kôiwi tangata (Maori and Moriori human
remains) and associated funerary objects such as waka kôiwi
(carved burial chests).
The Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa does not consider
kôiwi tangata to be collection items. Te Papa holds
kaitîakitanga (guardianship) rights over these
ancestral remains. They are treated like ancient and sacred relics
with the utmost respect.
