Priceless Kaurna Artefacts Returned to Australia from Germany

In a momentous cultural exchange, four priceless Indigenous artefacts have been returned to the Kaurna people in South Australia from the Grassi Museum in Leipzig, Germany. The artefacts, which include a kathawirri sword, tantanaku club or bark peeler, wirnta spear, and wikatyi net, are over 180 years old and hold immense cultural significance for the Kaurna community.

Why this matters: The return of these artefacts sets a significant precedent for the repatriation of cultural heritage materials to Indigenous communities worldwide, highlighting the importance of preserving and respecting the cultural identities of marginalized groups. This move also acknowledges the historical injustices of colonialism and serves as a step towards reconciliation and healing.

The items were originally gifted to Lutheran missionaries around 1840 at Pirltawardli, also known as Possum Park. They were later sent to Germany, where they remained in the collection of the Grassi Museum for nearly two centuries. Discussions about their return began in 2019, and in August 2023, the artefacts were finally brought back to Australia. They were temporarily stored at the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS) before being officially handed over to the Kaurna people on May 8, 2024.

The handover ceremony took place at Pirltawardli, the very location where the items were originally exchanged. It was attended by Aboriginal elders, Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong, and Germany's Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs Annalena Baerbock. Mitzi Nam, Chairperson of Kaurna Yerta Aboriginal Corporation (KYAC) RNTBC, emphasized the deep connection the Kaurna people share with these artefacts, stating, "These items may no longer be used in the day-to-day lives of the living Kaurna people, but they are part of our story, our culture, and we share a deep and significant connection with them."

Minister for Indigenous Australians Linda Burney highlighted the historical significance of the returned items, saying, "These items show us how Kaurna mob lived on – and with – Country over 180 years ago. A small insight into the 65,000-year-old connection Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have to these lands, waters, and skies." She added, "It is how our connection to culture remains strong."

The return of the artefacts marks a significant step in the repatriation of cultural heritage material to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It is part of the Return of Cultural Heritage program led by AIATSIS, which aims to bring back cultural items from overseas governments, collecting institutions, and private collectors. This event represents the first official return of cultural assets from the European continent to Australia under this program.

German Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs Annalena Baerbock acknowledged the importance of this cultural exchange, stating, "All people should have access to their cultural heritage and be able to pass it on to their children and grandchildren... This is also an expression of the active engagement of the German government to come to terms with our colonial past." The return of these priceless artefacts not only honors the heritage of the Kaurna people but also fosters stronger connections and understanding between Indigenous Australians and the global community.

Key Takeaways

• 4 Indigenous artefacts returned to Kaurna people in South Australia from Germany.
• Artefacts are over 180 years old and hold immense cultural significance.
• Return sets precedent for repatriation of cultural heritage materials worldwide.
• Move acknowledges historical injustices of colonialism and promotes reconciliation.
• First official return of cultural assets from Europe to Australia under Return of Cultural Heritage program.