Bringing Indigenous Ancestors Back to the Territory

This paper offers insights into repatriation from a South American perspective. We—two Indigenous scholars and a non-Indigenous researcher—propose an intercultural approach for the return of native ancestors to Indigenous lands. This paper starts by debating the concept of “repatriation” and presenting “restitution” as a more appropriate term in South America. It then delves into the relationship between Original peoples and their dead ancestors, explaining how the latter continues to interact with the living and shape the dynamics of the territories. We proceed to discuss the impact produced on Indigenous peoples’ lives and lands when the bodies of their forebears are taken away from the territory. Indeed, and giving priority to the Indigenous perspective, we argue that restitution should be based on territorial connections rather than lineal descendant or cultural affiliation. The critical role of restitution in decolonization of Indigenous cultural and spiritual ways is debated. Furthermore, this paper discusses the importance of preparation before restitutions take place and what we could do while ancestors are still held in museums or university collections. Finally, we reflect on rematration as a better way to address the restitution of ancestors and elements that were stripped from their territories.