‘We are glad to see this material come back to Australia from America, but we need more help for all our material to come back. We need help make a keeping place for all our material coming home. their final resting place is on Country.’
Mr Geoffrey Jagamara Mathews and Mr Warren Purnpajardu Williams Japanangka, Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson of the Warlpiri Project Men’s Group.
Warlpiri return
| Number of objects | Return destination | Institution | Dates |
|---|---|---|---|
|
8 men's restricted items |
Warlpiri, Yuendumu, NT | Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Collections, University of Virginia, USA |
Request submitted: Return celebration: |
The Covid pandemic disrupted the returns process for the eight objects from the Warlpiri community. The items were flown to Adelaide and temporarily held by the South Australian Museum. In June 2022 the Warlpiri project men’s group travelled to Adelaide to pick up the material and return it to Yuendumu. A private ceremony marked the return in Yuendumu.
‘We’re opening the gates for other tribes as well, to help people in other places to get their things back. Showing a way for other tribes.’
Geoffrey Jagamara Mathews and Warren Purnpajardu Williams Japanangka, Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson of the Warlpiri Project Men’s Group.
Warlpiri men’s group with their cultural heritage material at the Alice Springs airport. Left to right: Karl Japaltjarri Hampton, Tommy Jangala Watson, Geoffrey Jagamara Mathews and Warren Purnpajardu Williams Japanangka. Photo: S Angeles, AIATSIS.
Warlpiri men’s group with their cultural heritage material at the Alice Springs airport. Left to right: Karl Japaltjarri Hampton, Tommy Jangala Watson, Geoffrey Jagamara Mathews and Warren Purnpajardu Williams Japanangka. Photo: S Angeles, AIATSIS.
Senior Warlpiri men Warren Purnpajardu Williams Japanangka, Simon Japangardi Fisher, Otto Jungarrayi Sims during the official return of their material. Photo: S Angeles, AIATSIS.
Senior Warlpiri men Warren Purnpajardu Williams Japanangka, Simon Japangardi Fisher, Otto Jungarrayi Sims during the official return of their material. Photo: S Angeles, AIATSIS.
