In Sacred but Undocumented: Meeting the Challenges of Repatriating Poorly Documented Objects, Jason M. Gibson, Michael Cawthorn and Iain Johnston write:
Despite limited provenance, these objects remain spiritually potent to Aboriginal custodians.
Drawing on a multi-year,Indigenous-led project by AIATSIS, Deakin University, and senior central Australian men, the study consulted over 110 ceremonial leaders across nine language groups.
All supported the return of tywerrenge, emphasizing spiritual connection over Westernlegal frameworks of ownership.
Leaders called for repatriation to restore ancestral presence to land and community, not just toreturn physical items.
The project culminated in a regional gathering where leaders advocated for a dedicated museum facilityin central Australia, governed through adapted ceremonial protocols. The study demonstrates how Indigenous-led models canreshape global museum practice and promote culturally informed systems of care for sacred objects.
