UK Auction House Withdraws Controversial Naga Skull Amid Outcry

The Swan auction house in the UK withdrew a Naga human skull from sale following backlash from India. The sale, part of an online event featuring global artifacts, drew protests from Nagaland's Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio, and others who demanded its halt, citing cultural sensitivity.

The Swan auction house in Oxfordshire, UK, has removed a Naga human skull from its upcoming online sale following a widespread outcry in India. The skull, described as a '19th Century Horned Naga Human Skull,' was part of 'The Curious Collector Sale, Antiquarian Books, Manuscripts & Paintings' but was withdrawn after protests led by Nagaland's Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio.

Rio contacted India's External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, urging intervention to prevent what was deemed a culturally insensitive sale. The auction listing, which estimated the skull could fetch up to GBP 4,000, noted its provenance from Belgian architect Francois Coppens' 19th-century collection. The Forum for Naga Reconciliation also condemned the auction, highlighting that it violates indigenous peoples' cultural rights under UNDRIP Article 15.

The museum community, including the Pitt Rivers Museum director, Laura Van Broekhoven, expressed outrage over the auction of such sensitive items. Broekhoven emphasized the historical significance and the painful context of how these items were acquired, calling the auction disrespectful. The Swan auction house has yet to comment on the decision to withdraw the skull from auction.

(With inputs from agencies.)