DiMuse is an international collaboration to digitally repatriate the Gaidinliu Collection, connecting communities in Nagaland and the UK through digital heritage.
DiMuse explores the digital return of Naga cultural heritage held in UK museums, focusing on the Gaidinliu Collection—an assemblage of objects, photographs, and documents associated with the Naga spiritual and political leader, Gaidinliu (1915–1993). Through digital repatriation, the project seeks to reconnect these materials with descendant communities in Nagaland, India.
The project aims to foster dialogue on decolonising museum practice by enabling digital access, co-curation, and knowledge exchange between UK institutions and Naga communities. DiMuse uses digital platforms to share, interpret, and contextualise the Gaidinliu Collection collaboratively.
DiMuse is a partnership between the University of Edinburgh, Pitt Rivers Museum, SOAS, and Nagaland University, with support from the AHRC.
Digital repatriation offers new opportunities for access, engagement, and co-curation, especially where physical return is not possible. By sharing digital surrogates and knowledge, DiMuse supports community-led interpretation and the revitalisation of cultural heritage.
DiMuse welcomes collaboration with Naga communities, researchers, and heritage professionals. Contact us to learn more or participate in ongoing workshops and digital heritage initiatives.