LONDON (AP) — Four Aboriginal spears that were taken to England by Captain James Cook more than 250 years ago were returned Tuesday to Australia’s Indigenous community at a ceremony in Cambridge University.
The artifacts were all that remain of some 40 spears that Cook and botanist Joseph Banks took in April 1770, at the time of the first contact between Cook’s crew and the Indigenous people of Kamay, or Botany Bay.
The spears were presented to Trinity College, Cambridge by John Montagu, the 4th Earl of Sandwich the following year, along with other items from Cook’s voyage across the Pacific. The spears have been held at the university’s Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology since the early 20th century.
Their return, agreed last year following a campaign and a formal repatriation request, was hailed as a step toward reconciliation and a greater understanding of Britain and Australia’s shared history.
Milwaukee man charged in dismemberment death pleads not guilty
Nation has right ingredients for culinary success
Xi Calls for New, Greater Contributions to Advancing Cause of Women and Children
Police clear out a migrant camp in central Paris. Activists say it's a pre
China's autonomous driving enters fast lane with commercial operations
China State Shipbuilding Corp wins world's first ammonia
Unassuming New Jersey home hits the market for $400,000
Air travel surges thanks to Spring Festival and visa policies
Kim Kardashian is surprised by Jimmy Kimmel Live's Guillermo as he models her SKIMS shapewear
SOEs' AI push may transform industries