94-28901. Notice of Intent to Repatriate a Cultural Item in the Possession of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York

[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 225 (Wednesday, November 23, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-28901]


[[Page Unknown]]

[Federal Register: November 23, 1994]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
 

Notice of Intent to Repatriate a Cultural Item in the Possession 
of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York

AGENCY: National Park Service, Interior

ACTION: Notice

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    Act of 1990 of the intent to repatriate a cultural item in the 
possession of the Metropolitan Museum of Art that meets the definitions 
of ``sacred object'' and ``object of cultural patrimony'' under section 
2 of the act.
    The carved wooden figure measures 29 3/4 inches high. The figure 
was donated by Mr. Raymond Weilgus in 1964 to the Museum of Primitive 
Art. The figure was transferred to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 
1978. Museum records do not indicate where or when the object was 
originally collected.
    Information regarding the carved wooden figure was included in the 
summary sent to the Pueblo of Zuni in November, 1993. A representative 
of the Pueblo of Zuni subsequently requested additional documentation 
of the figure, including museum records and a photograph. 
Representatives of the Pueblo of Zuni have inspected the museum records 
and the photograph and have identified the carved wooden figure as 
being a Ahayu:da or War God. The Pueblo of Zuni affirms that this 
Ahayu:da is needed by traditional Zuni religious leaders for the 
practice of traditional Zuni religion by present-day adherents. The 
Pueblo of Zuni also affirms that this Ahayu:da is of ongoing importance 
to the pueblo as a whole and could not have been alienated, 
appropriated, or conveyed by any individual member of the Pueblo of 
Zuni.
    Based on the above mentioned information, officials of the 
Metropolitan Museum of Art have determined that,
    pursuant to 25 U.S.C. 3001 (2), there is a relationship of shared 
group identity which can be reasonably traced between the figure and 
the Pueblo of Zuni. Officials of the Metropolitan Museum of Art have 
also determined that the figure meets the definitions of sacred object 
and object of cultural patrimony pursuant to 25 U.S.C. 3001 (3)(C).
    Representatives of any other Indian tribe that believes itself to 
be culturally affiliated with this object should contact Julie Jones, 
Curator in Charge, Department of the Arts of Africa, Oceania, and the 
American, Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 5th Avenue, NY, NY 10028-
1098, telephone: [phone] before December 23, 1994. Repatriation 
of the object to the Pueblo of Zuni can begin after that date if no 
additional claimants come forward.
    Dated: November 16, 1994.
Dr. Francis P. McManamon,
Departmental Consulting Archeologist,
Chief, Archeological Assistance Division.
[FR Doc. 94-28901 Filed 11-22-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-70-F