Email to Vendue House, the Hague
Dear Sir/Madam,
We write on behalf of the Vanuatu Cultural Centre (VKS) and the National Museum of Vanuatu.
It has come to our attention that human skulls originating from Vanuatu are currently listed for auction through your institution. We hereby make an official and urgent request for the immediate withdrawal of these ancestral remains from sale.
In Vanuatu, ancestral human remains are sacred. Their sale, trade, display, or transfer is strictly prohibited by kastom, our customary law, and is regarded as a serious violation of cultural and spiritual responsibilities. These remains are not objects of commerce—they are the resting places of our ancestors, whose dignity and cultural significance demand respect.
We therefore formally request the following actions:
- Immediate removal of all Vanuatu ancestral remains from your auction catalogue and website.
- Written confirmation that these items will not appear in any future sale.
- Full provenance documentation, including acquisition history and previous ownership, to allow us to begin proper cultural and ethical processes with the relevant communities.
International museum and auction standards are clear: human remains must be treated with dignity, transparency, and respect for descendant communities. We trust that Venduehuis will uphold these ethical obligations and work cooperatively with us to rectify this matter.
Given the seriousness of this issue for the people of Vanuatu, we kindly request your response at the earliest possible time.
Sincerely,
Kaitip Kami
Curator
National Museum of Vanuatu
POB 184 Port Vila
Vanuatu
