Unidentified remains returned to Tonga

The remains of two Tongan ancestors that were held in the Australian Museum for over a century have been returned to Tonga.

The Tongan Embassy in Australia first became aware of the remains in 2021, which only include their heads.

In 2022, the Embassy began negotiations with the Museum to return them home.

Acting High Commissioner for Tonga to Australia, Curtis Tuihalangiengie says little is known about the pair.

With no record of who they were, His Majesty King Tupou VI gifted the names Palu ‘Ata (1875) and Tupou ‘Ata (1969) to them.

Palu ‘Ata was only a young child around the age of 10 when he died of unknown causes.

His remains were buried on ‘Ata island and were taken by scientists in 1875.

There was a interest in evolution at that time and fascination with the Polynesian physique.

Tupou 'Ata was an older Tongan man who remained in the Museum’s collection since 1969.

A special ceremony was conducted by the Tongan Royal undertaker, Haukoloa, at the Australian Museum in December 2023 to prepare the ancestors for repatriation.

On Tuesday, a funeral service for the pair was held at Fele’ave Cemetery in Kolomaile, ‘Eua Island in Tonga.

Their Majesties, the King and Queen of Tonga were present alongside their daughter, Princess Angelika Tuku’aho who played a prominent role in the repatriation.

Remains of Tongan ancestors arrive in Tonga. Photo/Supplied

At the service, the Museum’s First Nations Director Laura McBride apologised for the unethical practices they had someimes used in the past.

Acting High Commissioner Tuihalangiengie says he’s happy the remains have been returned and hopes more people learn about the history of Australia’s involvement in the Pacific.

He mentioned blackbirding and the involvement of Australian ships, where people were kidnapped from Tonga and enslaved in Peru.

“I think the most important part is for us to work together in partnership. Learn from the past and to share the history.

“We should not bury it, we should not cover it. It is important for our people to be aware that this had happened. It is an unfortunate part of our history.”

Palu and Tupou are finally home, and while their stories are a mystery, there’s an effort underway to learn more about who they were and honour their memory.