Oxford University’s Worcester College used a chalice made from a human skull at formal dinners for many years, a practice that continued until 2015. The skull, crafted into a cup with silver detailing, initially served wine and later chocolates after it began leaking. This unusual ritual, highlighted in archaeologist Dan Hicks’ book Every Monument Will Fall, has sparked renewed debate on the object’s colonial legacy and ethical implications. In 2019, the college initiated an investigation into the skull’s origins, leading to its removal from public display.
A Relic with a Dark History
The skull-cup, a striking object once part of formal dinnerware at Worcester College, was used for more than just ceremonial purposes. It had been a part of the college’s traditions until growing discomfort among scholars led to its discontinuation. Carbon dating has revealed that the skull is approximately 225 years old, with its origins tracing back to the Caribbean. The size and context suggest that it likely belonged to an enslaved woman, though the identity of the individual remains unknown.
Donated by a Controversial Figure
The history of the skull-cup is tied to the legacy of George Pitt-Rivers, a known eugenicist and fascist sympathizer who donated it to the college in 1946. His grandfather, Augustus Pitt Rivers, had purchased the skull at a Sotheby’s auction in 1884, where it had likely been sold as a colonial relic. The silver mounting, which dates back to 1838, the year of Queen Victoria’s coronation, was originally placed on a wooden base that featured a Queen Victoria shilling, adding another layer to the object’s imperial connections.
Growing Uncertainty and Ethical Considerations
The skull-cup, which had been displayed in silver cases at the college and sometimes used as tableware, was increasingly seen as a symbol of colonial violence and exploitation. Its use dwindled after 2011 and stopped entirely in 2015, leading to a formal review. In 2019, after a thorough investigation, Worcester College decided to archive the skull respectfully, sealed away from public display.
Colonial Legacy and Modern Criticism
The controversy surrounding the skull-cup has drawn sharp criticism from politicians and scholars alike. Labour MP Bell Ribeiro-Addy condemned the object as a brutal reminder of colonial violence and exploitation. She noted that such relics should not be revered or displayed in academic settings without acknowledging their painful past. Dan Hicks, the archaeologist who investigated the object, pointed out how colonialism not only erased the identities of its victims but also obscured their histories.
Hicks’ book explores similar cases, including instances where British officers took skulls from colonial battlefields and displayed them in museums or personal collections. These acts reflect a wider pattern of how colonialism shaped both academic and cultural traditions in Britain, leaving behind a complex legacy of power, exploitation, and cultural appropriation.
A Step Toward Reflection and Accountability
The removal of the skull-cup from public display at Worcester College serves as a significant step toward acknowledging the darker aspects of colonial history. While the college’s decision was based on expert advice and ethical considerations, it has sparked an ongoing dialogue about how institutions must confront their past and its continuing impact on marginalized communities.
The skull-cup’s story is not just one of academic tradition but also of cultural reckoning. As institutions like Oxford continue to reassess their ties to colonialism, the debate over how to handle such artifacts will likely continue, challenging long-standing practices and beliefs within the academic world.
Worcester College’s decision to remove the skull-cup from public display serves as a reflection of broader efforts to reconcile with the past. While the artifact’s history remains a contentious issue, its removal provides an opportunity for further dialogue on colonialism’s enduring influence on academia and cultural institutions. The investigation and subsequent action taken by the college reflect a growing awareness of the need for sensitivity and respect for the victims of historical injustices. The skull-cup may have once been a symbol of academic tradition, but its removal signifies an important step in confronting uncomfortable truths about Britain’s colonial past.
