Northeast India’s Only English and Hindi Satellite News Channel

Auction of 19th Century Naga Human Skull in UK Withdrawn Amid Uproar and Nagaland CM’s Letter

First Published: 9th October, 2024 20:30 IST

The 19th-century horned Naga human skull was listed for the auction with a starting bid of GBP 2,100 (approximately Rs 2.30 lakh).

A vintage 200 year old Naga human skull preserved in the UK will not be auctioned off now. The UK auction house, Swan Fine Art, has been forced to withdraw the auction of the 19th century Naga human skull following an uproar among the Nagas and Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio writing an urgent letter to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar seeking his immediate intervention.

The proposed auction was withdrawn by the Swan Fine Art auction house in Tetsworth, Oxfordshire, UK hours before the bidding was to begin in the UK today.

It was slotted as Lot No. 64 at the auction with a starting bid of GBP 2,100 (approximately Rs 2.30 lakh), and auctioneers anticipated that it could ultimately sell for as much as GBP 4,000 (around Rs 4.39 lakh).

Soon, the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) raised concerns over the matter.

Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio had written an urgent letter to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar seeking his intervention to stop the proposed auction of Naga human remains.

“The news of the proposed auction of Naga human remains in the UK has been received by all sections in a negative manner as it is a highly emotional and sacred issue for our people. It has been a traditional custom of our people to give the highest respect and honour for the remains of the demised,” said CM Rio in his letter.

CM Rio urged the minister to take up the matter with the High Commission of India in London so that steps are taken to ensure that the auction of the skull can be stopped.

Later, Tom Keane, the owner of the auction house, stated that the Naga skull was withdrawn from auction respecting the emotions and sentiments of all parties concerned.

The auction house stated that it had not realised the offence that the antique Naga tribe skull would cause.

“We are legally within our rights to include the item in our sale, however as a mark of respect to the tribe and culture we have withdrawn the item from the sale,” it said.

Also read: Nagaland CM Neiphiu Rio Urges External Affairs Minister To Halt Auction Of Naga Human Remains In UK

COMMENTS

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

WE RECOMMEND

Banner
Nagaland MP Accuses Rahul Gandhi of Standing Too Close to Her, Making Her Feel Uncomfortable

MP Phangnon Konyak has filed a complaint with Rajya Sabha Chairman against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi

19th December 2024
Banner
MHA Reimposes Protected Area Regime in Manipur, Mizoram, and Nagaland Amid Rising Security Concerns

Under the Foreigners (Protected Areas) Order, 1958, all foreigners entering these states will now require a Protected Area Permit (PAP).

19th December 2024
Banner
NIA Raids 17 Locations Across Nagaland and 3 Other States in Weapon Trafficking Case

The case involves the recovery of an AK-47 rifle and other prohibited weapons being smuggled from Nagaland and other Northeastern states.

19th December 2024
Banner
Second Tripartite Meet on the Creation of Proposed Frontier Nagaland Territory to be held Next year

ENPO also expressed appreciation to the MHA Committee led by AK Mishra for their “utmost sincerity and commitment” to fulfil the aspirations of the people of Eastern Nagaland without further delay.

17th December 2024
Banner
Tripartite Talks on Frontier Nagaland Territory Issue Begins in Delhi

The talks follow the Nagaland government’s submission of its comments on the draft MoS for the proposed creation of FNT.

14th December 2024