Museums worldwide are confronting the complex histories of their collections, particularly regarding the prior acquisition and display of ancestral remains and sacred cultural belongings. These colonial practices were focused on taking things from their place of origin, bringing them to a museum, and demonstrating the “otherness” of people from different areas of the world – usually with limited or no context.
Glenbow recognizes our responsibility to act as ethical stewards, actively participating in the return of these items and honouring the rights of the communities they belong to.
One such example is the two tsantsas in Glenbow’s care — ceremonial ancestral remains preserved by the Shuar and Achuar peoples of Ecuador and other parts of South America. In April’s issue of Alberta Views, Doug Horner wrote about one of these tsantsas. Historically, items such as these were collected and displayed in museums without full acknowledgment of their cultural and spiritual significance. Over 50 years ago, in the early 1970s, Glenbow displayed these items. Shortly after, they were removed from exhibition. We understand these are not objects of curiosity; they are deeply meaningful items that should be returned to their communities of origin.
Repatriation in action
Glenbow has a responsibility to talk to community members, conduct research, work with partner organizations, and look for solutions to return these ceremonial ancestral remains to their communities of origin when possible.
The two tsantsas are part of the Government of Alberta’s collection cared for by Glenbow. In caring for sacred and cultural belongings in the Province’s collection, Glenbow ensures they are:
- Stored in a locked cabinet, with restricted access;
- Never displayed or made available for viewing or research, except for those from the communities of origin; and
- Never subjected to destructive scientific testing.
What’s next?
Returning belongings, including ceremonial ancestral remains, is a vital part of Glenbow’s commitment to reconciliation. Engaging in meaningful conversations with communities to understand the significance of ceremonial ancestral remains and sacred cultural belongings is essential as we work toward their respectful return.
Stories like Horner’s raise important questions and are part of deep and complex conversations – for Glenbow and for museums worldwide. We’re at the start of important conversations with Shuar and Achuar communities to ensure these tsantsas are handled properly and are developing a path with those communities to return them to their communities of origin.
