4 days ago
Vatican hiding sacred treasures, countries demand return of indigenous artifacts
The Vatican's
Anima Mundi Ethnological Museum
, nestled in the heart of
Vatican City
, is home to thousands of
Indigenous artifacts
from every corner of the globe. Originally collected for a 1925
Vatican
exhibition showcasing the reach of Catholic missions, these items now sit at the center of a growing international debate: Should these sacred and culturally vital objects be returned to their communities of origin?
As calls for repatriation grow louder, here's a closer look at which countries are demanding the return of their heritage, what artifacts are involved, and where the Vatican stands.
Canada: A call for healing and justice
Canadian Indigenous leaders are among the most vocal, seeking the return of sacred items such as a rare Inuvialuit sealskin, Cree leather gloves, a two-century-old wampum belt, a Gwich'in baby belt, a beluga tooth necklace, sacred pipes, medicine bundles, ceremonial attire, and an Inuit kayak. These artifacts were taken during a period marked by forced assimilation and residential schools.
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Chief Bobby Cameron of the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations emphasized, 'Every one of these artifacts is a sacred item, essential for the healing journey of numerous survivors of residential schools'. Floyd Favel, curator at the Chief Poundmaker Museum, added, 'They embody our history and culture. They strengthen our connection to the past, which is increasingly vital as our languages and cultures face significant threats'.
Victoria Pruden, president of the Métis National Council, reflected on viewing the artifacts: 'You couldn't help but feel that tug in your heart that those items should be back home. And they should be somewhere where our children and our grandchildren and our communities could enjoy them and contemplate them'.
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Despite
Pope Francis
's 2022 apology and pledge to return the artifacts, none have yet been repatriated. 'There's a lot of rhetoric around truth and reconciliation, a lot of sort of performativity around it, but there hasn't been any restitution to date,' said Indigenous advocate Bell.
Ecuador: A rare success story
Ecuador is among the few countries to have seen a successful return: the Vatican repatriated a shrunken head used in
Jivaroan rituals
back to Ecuador in 2021. This act is frequently cited as a hopeful precedent by other nations seeking the return of their own heritage.
Australia: Seeking recognition and respect
The Vatican's collection includes feathered headdresses, masks, and ceremonial objects from Aboriginal Australian communities. Aboriginal leaders argue these items remain stripped of context and meaning, and their calls for return persist. The Vatican claims these were gifts, but many Indigenous advocates and historians dispute whether genuine consent was possible under colonial power dynamics.
The Vatican's position: gifts or appropriation?
The Vatican maintains that most items were received as gifts, but Pope Francis has acknowledged the need for restitution. 'The Seventh Commandment comes to mind: If you steal something you have to give it back,' he said, signaling openness to returning artifacts on a case-by-case basis. On the broader issue, Pope Francis stated, 'The restitution of the Indigenous things is underway with Canada — at least we agreed to do it… In the case where you can return things, where it's necessary to make a gesture, better to do it. It's good for everyone, so you don't get used to putting your hands in someone else's pockets'.
As the international spotlight grows, the Vatican faces mounting pressure to address these claims transparently and justly. For many Indigenous communities, the return of these artifacts is not just about reclaiming objects, but about restoring identity, dignity, and cultural continuity. As Victoria Pruden put it, 'What an important symbol of reconciliation returning them will be when we manage to accomplish that".
