Australian Museum partners with Warlpiri Project on community-led repatriation of sacred objects

The Australian Museum (AM) has returned 17 culturally significant sacred objects to Warlpiri ownership, marking an important milestone in a community-led repatriation process built on research, cultural authority and partnership.

The repatriation was formally requested by the Warlpiri Project and the Kurdiji Wita Cultural Authority (NT) in June 2026 following a five-year community consultation process between the AM, Warlpiri community representatives and the Warlpiri Project.

The partnership began in July 2021 when representatives from the Warlpiri Project contacted the Australian Museum's First Nations Division seeking information about Warlpiri cultural heritage held within the AM’s collections.

“These sacred objects are at the heart of Warlpiri culture. They connect us to our ancestors, our identity and our obligations to care for Country. For generations, Warlpiri people have carried the responsibility of protecting this knowledge, but many of these objects were removed from their rightful custodians.

“Repatriation is not just about returning objects; it is about restoring cultural authority, renewing ceremony and ensuring that our knowledge can be passed on to future generations. It is a powerful act of healing," Jamie Hampton of Warlpiri said.

The repatriation process involved Warlpiri Elders, cultural knowledge holders, researchers and the AM’s repatriation team working together to review collection records, investigate collecting histories and provide community access to cultural material held by the AM.

A series of visits to the AM enabled Warlpiri men and women to examine both Open and Restricted Collections, identify culturally significant belongings and provide cultural guidance on their future care and return.

Australian Museum Director First Nations, Laura McBride said repatriation work was an ongoing responsibility and priority for the AM.

"This return recognises the enduring cultural authority of Warlpiri people over their cultural heritage and demonstrates what can be achieved through long-term relationships built on trust, listening and mutual respect.

"We are proud to have worked alongside the Warlpiri Project and community knowledge holders throughout this process and to support the return of these significant cultural belongings to their rightful ownership," Laura McBride said.

Established in 2019, the Warlpiri Project works under Warlpiri cultural authority to reconnect widespread collections with community care. To date, the project has facilitated the return of more than 140 sacred objects and other cultural heritage materials to Warlpiri ownership.

Warlpiri Project leader, Karl Hampton said the return represents an important step in supporting cultural continuity and self-determination.

"These belongings carry culture, law, identity, knowledge and connection to Country. Their return strengthens our ability to care for that knowledge, pass it on to future generations and continue important cultural responsibilities."

Research undertaken collaboratively by the Warlpiri Project and the Australian Museum traced the collecting histories of the returned material from the 1930s through to the 1960s.

The collection includes ceremonial objects connected with anthropological studies undertaken at Yuendumu, material associated with the Australian Museum Scientific Expedition of 1952, and items linked to a range of researchers and collectors.

The research highlights a broader history in which Aboriginal cultural heritage was frequently removed from community care during a period when First Nations people had little control over how their cultural knowledge, identities and cultural belongings were collected, documented and represented by institutions.

Before leaving the Australian Museum’s custody, the cultural belongings were honoured through a farewell process developed in consultation with Warlpiri representatives, including a smoking ceremony and other cultural protocols requested by the community.

The collection subsequently travelled from Sydney to Adelaide, where ownership formally transferred to the Warlpiri Project.

The return demonstrates the important role museums can play in addressing historical collecting practices and supporting communities to reconnect with their cultural heritage.

As the Australian Museum continues its commitment to repatriation, partnerships such as this highlight the importance of community leadership, cultural authority and collaboration in returning cultural heritage to the communities to whom it belongs.

For more information or images, contact media@australian.museum

Established in 2019, the Warlpiri Project was created by Warlpiri Elders in an effort to heal their community from past and present-day injustices. This project is aimed at reconnecting and returning Warlpiri cultural heritage held in museums and collecting institutions in Australia and overseas. Working under traditional Warlpiri cultural governance systems, the project brings together knowledge holders, young leaders, and partner institutions to reconnect dispersed collections with community care. Since the start of the project more than 140 sacred objects and other cultural heritage materials have been returned to Warlpiri ownership.

Here is the link to our Facebook page as well - https://www.facebook.com/p/The-Warlpiri-Project-100095099776384/