Gweagal Spears Taken by Captain Cook in 1770 Returned to Australia by Cambridge University

In a historic repatriation ceremony held at Trinity College, Cambridge University on April 25, 2024, four Aboriginal spears taken by Captain James Cook in 1770 were permanently returned to the La Perouse Aboriginal community in Australia. The spears, described as "exceptionally significant" as the first artifacts collected by the British from Australia, have been part of Trinity College's collection since 1771.

The return of the spears, which are the only remaining objects from the original 40 taken by Cook and his crew from the Gweagal community of La Perouse in Kamay (now known as Botany Bay), is seen as an opportunity to educate the public about the Gweagal's traditional culture and its continued practice today. "The spears hold cultural significance for the community, as many families are descended from those present during the Endeavour's arrival," said a representative of the La Perouse Aboriginal Land Council.

After a decade of talks between the university's Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology and the Aboriginal community, the decision was made to return the spears, which are regarded as national treasures by the Gweagal people. The successful transfer of the spears was supported by the Australian government, the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies, and the National Museum of Australia.

Why this matters: The repatriation of the Gweagal spears is a significant step towards reconciliation and truth-telling between Australia's Indigenous community and the legacy of the British empire. It reflects the growing global movement of Indigenous communities fighting to recover artifacts and treasures that were pillaged by explorers and colonizers.

The spears will be displayed at a new visitor center in Kurnell, Kamay, near where they were first taken, and will be cared for by the Chau Chak Wing Museum at the University of Sydney in the meantime. The repatriation ceremony at Trinity College was attended by members of the La Perouse Aboriginal Community and the Australian government, and included readings from the Voyage Journals of James Cook and Joseph Banks, as well as statements by representatives of the La Perouse Aboriginal Community.

Key Takeaways

• 4 Aboriginal spears taken by Cook in 1770 returned to La Perouse community in 2024.
• Spears were part of Trinity College's collection since 1771, now repatriated to Australia.
• Repatriation seen as step towards reconciliation between Indigenous Australians and British legacy.
• Spears to be displayed at new visitor center in Kurnell, Kamay, where they were first taken.
• Repatriation ceremony attended by La Perouse community and Australian government.