Two skulls of enslaved people returned to Brazilian universities after negotiation

Harvard University returned two skulls of enslaved individuals to Brazil, marking a significant repatriation effort. The skulls, housed at the Peabody Museum, were taken in the 19th century. One belonged to a man involved in the 1835 Malê Revolt, while the other was from a woman from Rio de Janeiro. The repatriation process began in 2022 after the Islamic community identified the remains. The skulls will be studied and then returned to their communities for proper burial. This initiative is seen as a step towards acknowledging historical injustices and addressing structural racism in Brazil.