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Deep Dive: Etched in Bone (2018)

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Etched in Bone
Etched in Bone examines the theft of hundreds of bones by a member of the 1948 American-Australian Scientific Expedition to Arnhem Land. These bones were taken to the Smithsonian Institution in Washington DC and remained there until the late 1990s when Arnhem elders became aware of their existence. The film presents the ensuing conflict over the repatriation of these sacred artefacts, highlighting the tensions between indigenous tribespeople and the Department of Anthropology at the Smithsonian. The documentary uses original footage from National Geographic to provide context and depth to the story of colonialism and its impact on indigenous Australians. It captures the emotional and cultural significance of the bones and the struggle for their return, illustrating the broader themes of anthropology and repatriation in the context of historical injustices.

Why Watch

  • •See the impact of colonialism on indigenous Australians.
  • •Find out about the 1948 bone theft expedition.
  • •Meet the Arnhem elders fighting for repatriation.

Did You Know

•Hundreds of bones were stolen during the 1948 expedition.
•The bones were deposited in the Smithsonian Institution in Washington DC.
•Indigenous elders learned about the theft in the late 1990s.
•The repatriation call led to a standoff with the Smithsonian's Department of Anthropology.

Perfect For

Indigenous rightsCultural repatriationAnthropology enthusiasts