2019-28380. Notice of Intent To Repatriate Cultural Items: Federal Bureau of Investigation, Art Theft Program, Washington, DC

AGENCY:

National Park Service, Interior.

ACTION:

Notice.

SUMMARY:

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), in consultation with the appropriate Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations, has determined that the cultural items listed in this notice meet the definition of sacred objects. Lineal descendants or representatives of any Indian Tribe or Native Hawaiian organization not identified in this notice that wish to claim these cultural items should submit a written request to the FBI. If no additional claimants come forward, transfer of control of the cultural items to the lineal descendants, Indian Tribes, or Native Hawaiian organizations stated in this notice may proceed.

DATES:

Lineal descendants or representatives of any Indian Tribe or Native Hawaiian organization not identified in this notice that wish to claim these cultural items should submit a written request with information in support of the claim to the FBI at the address in this notice by February 3, 2020.

ADDRESSES:

Federal Bureau of Investigation, FBI Headquarters, Attn: Supervisory Special Agent Timothy Carpenter, Art Theft Program, 935 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20535, telephone [phone], email [e-mail].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Notice is here given in accordance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), 25 U.S.C. 3005, of the intent to repatriate cultural items under the control of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Washington, DC, that meet the definition of sacred objects under 25 U.S.C. 3001.

This notice is published as part of the National Park Service's administrative responsibilities under NAGPRA, 25 U.S.C. 3003(d)(3). The determinations in this notice are the sole responsibility of the museum, institution, or Federal agency that has control of the Native American cultural items. The National Park Service is not responsible for the determinations in this notice.

History and Description of the Cultural Items

At an unknown date, 31 sacred objects were acquired and transported to the East Coast, where they remained part of a private collection of Native American antiquities, art, and cultural heritage. In the spring of 2018, these items were seized by the FBI as part of a criminal investigation. The 31 items are ceremonial objects that had been misidentified by the collector as “masks.”

Through multiple consultations with representatives of the Hopi Tribe of Arizona and the expertise of regional archeologists, these items are culturally affiliated with the Hopi Tribe of Arizona.

Determinations Made by the Federal Bureau of Investigation

Officials of the Federal Bureau of Investigation have determined that:

• Pursuant to 25 U.S.C. 3001(3)(C), the 31 cultural items described above are specific ceremonial objects needed by traditional Native American religious leaders for the practice of traditional Native American religions by their present-day adherents.
• Pursuant to 25 U.S.C. 3001(2), there is a relationship of shared group identity that can be reasonably traced between the sacred object and the Hopi Tribe of Arizona.

Additional Requestors and Disposition

Lineal descendants or representatives of any Indian Tribe or Native Hawaiian organization not identified in this notice that wish to claim these cultural items should submit a written request with information in support of the claim to Federal Bureau of Investigation, FBI Headquarters, Attn: Supervisory Special Agent Timothy Carpenter, Art Theft Program, 935 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20535, telephone [phone], email [e-mail], by February 3, 2020. After that date, if no additional claimants have come forward, transfer of control of the sacred objects to the Hopi Tribe of Arizona may proceed.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation is responsible for notifying the Hopi Tribe of Arizona that this notice has been published.

Dated: November 14, 2019.

Melanie O'Brien,

Manager, National NAGPRA Program.