Oxford University has returned three separate sets of aboriginal remains to Australia.

The items, brought to the university in the 19th century, are three skulls and associated lower jaws, and were kept in the Museum of Natural History in Parks Road.

Their return was formally requested in spring last year, as part of the Australian government’s policy for repatriation of aboriginal remains and the request was agreed by the university later in the year.

The request came from the Australian Government’s Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, and the Ngarrindjeri Heritage Committee last year.

Museum director Jim Kennedy said: ‘It was a pleasure to host Ngarrindjeri elders Major Sumner and George Trevorrow, representatives of the Ngarrindjeri Heritage Committee, who visited the Museum of Natural History to oversee the transfer of the remains of Ngarrindjeri Old People to their care.

“As part of the transfer process, there were private and public smoking ceremonies.”