94-31259. Notice of Intent to Repatriate a Cultural Item in the Possession of the Heard Museum, Phoenix, AZ

[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 244 (Wednesday, December 21, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-31259]


[[Page Unknown]]

[Federal Register: December 21, 1994]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
National Park Service

 

Notice of Intent to Repatriate a Cultural Item in the Possession 
of the Heard Museum, Phoenix, AZ

AGENCY: National Park Service, Interior

ACTION: Notice

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    Notice is hereby given under the Native American Graves Protection 
and Repatriation Act of 1990 of the intent to repatriate a cultural 
item presently in the possession of the Heard Museum, Phoenix, AZ, that 
meets the definition of ``sacred object'' under section 2 of the act.
    The item consists of a rawhide bandolier, 13 inches in diameter, 
decorated with small shells, a cobalt-blue glass bead, two natural 
crystals and an obsidian arrow point. The bandolier is wrapped with 
wide rawhide strips and fringed.
    The bandolier was acquired by the Heard Museum in 1974 as part of a 
larger group of items donated by Woodard's Indian Arts. No information 
has been obtained relative to the acquisition of the items by Woodard's 
Indian Arts. The original museum records identify the object as NA-SW-
NA-J-183, a Navajo rawhide necklace.
    In November, 1993, the Museum supplied a summary of its holdings 
identified as ``Navajo'' to authorized representatives of the Navajo 
Nation. In May, 1994, a representative of the Navajo Nation Cultural 
Preservation Office examined the collection and the bandolier was 
identified as a sacred object. The item was further identified in an 
October, 1994 letter from the Navajo Nation as used in the Enemy Way 
ceremony. In the letter dated November 7, 1994 Representatives of the 
Navajo Nation identified the bandolier as one needed, `` ***so that the 
rawhide necklace can be re-initiated for the coming seasons. This 
particular item is not meant to be in the hands of non-Navajos because 
it is used in ceremonies that involve cleansing from foreigners.''
    Based on the above mentioned information, officials of the Heard 
Museum 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 bandolier and the Navajo Nation. Officials of the Heard 
Museum have also determined that the bandolier meets the definition of 
sacred object pursuant to 25 U.S.C. 3001 (3)(C). The Museum's Board of 
Trustees agreed to deaccession the item on November 23, 1994, in 
preparation for repatriation.
    This notice has been sent to officials of the Navajo Nation, Ramah 
Navajo Chapter, and the Colorado River Indian Tribes. Representatives 
of any other Indian tribe that believes itself to be culturally 
affiliated with this cultural item should contact Martin Sullivan, 
Director, The Heard Museum, 22 E. Monte Vista Road, Phoenix Arizona 
85004-1480, telephone [phone] before January 20, 1995. 
Repatriation of the cultural item to the Navajo Nation may begin after 
that date if no additional claimants come forward.

    Dated December 15, 1994.
Francis P. McManamon
Departmental Consulting Archeologist,
Chief, Archeological Assistance Division.
[FR Doc. 94-31259 Filed 12-20-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-70-F