Two skulls taken to Harvard for eugenics research are returned to Brazil

The Guardian reported that two human skulls believed to belong to Africans or Afro‑Brazilians have been repatriated to Brazil after decades in the United States. The remains, one taken about 190 years ago from Salvador, the capital of Bahia, and the other about 160 years ago from Rio de Janeiro, were flown back by diplomats and received in subdued ceremonies in both cities on Wednesday.

One of the skulls is thought to have belonged to a man who participated in Brazil’s largest slave revolt. After being removed from Brazil in the 19th century, the skulls were used in racist eugenics studies at Harvard University. Their return marks the end of a long period during which the remains were held outside Brazil.

The ceremonies were described as moving, reflecting the significance of restoring the remains to their communities after a history of exploitation and scientific misuse.

Why it matters

The repatriation addresses a legacy of colonial exploitation and the misuse of human remains in eugenics research, offering a measure of restorative justice.

Key details

Location

Brazil · Americas

Reported by

The Guardian

First reported

12 Nov 2026, 04:20 IST

Key names

Harvard University, Harvard, Africans, Afro-Brazilians

Section

Science

Figure cited

One was taken about 190 years ago from Salvador, the capital of the state of Bahia; the other, about 160 years ago, from Rio de Janeiro – and were welcomed back in moving… (The Guardian)

Sources

This is an independent summary. Read the full, original reporting from the publisher:

• The GuardianTwo skulls likely belonging to enslaved people returned to Brazil after Harvard used them in eugenics studies 12 Nov, 04:20

Read the full story at The Guardian ↗

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