95-3686. Notice of Intent to Repatriate a Cultural Item in the Possession of the Robert Hull Flemming Museum of the University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont

[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 31 (Wednesday, February 15, 1995)]
[Notices]
[Pages 8732-8733]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-3686]



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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Notice of Intent to Repatriate a Cultural Item in the Possession 
of the Robert Hull Flemming Museum of the University of Vermont, 
Burlington, Vermont


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 in the possession of the Robert Hull Flemming Museum of the 
University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, that meets the definitions of 
``sacred object'' and ``object of cultural patrimony'' under section 2 
of the act.
    The item consists of a rattle made of a turtle shell and the hollow 
neck and head of the turtle, reinforced with willow, serving as a 
handle. The tortoise shell rattle was donated to the Museum in 1931 by 
Mr. Henry Schnakenberg, an art collector who is thought to have 
acquired the object in New York City about 1925-30. The rattle is 
designated accession number 1931.10.2 and E593.
    The object's cultural affiliation was determined from the donor's 
information in consultation with the Oneida Indian Nation of New York. 
Representatives of the Oneida Indian Nation of New York have identified 
this item as a tortoise shell rattle. This tortoise shell rattle is 
needed by present day adherents for continued observance of the Great 
Feather Dance, a sacred ritual observance enacted during ceremonies of 
the traditional calendrical round including the Midwinter festival. 
Representatives of the Oneida Indian Nation of New York also affirm 
that this tortoise shell rattle is owned collectively by the members of 
the Oneida Indian Nation of New York and no individual had the right to 
sell or otherwise alienate the item.
    Based on the above mentioned information, officials of the Robert 
Hull Fleming Museum, University of Vermont 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 this tortoise shell 
rattle and the Oneida Indian Nation of New York. Officials of the 
Robert Hull Fleming Museum, University of Vermont have also determined 
that this tortoise shell rattle meets the definitions of sacred object 
and object of cultural patrimony pursuant to 25 U.s.C. 3001 (3)(C). 
Copies of this notice have been sent to the the Oneida Indian Nation of 
New York and the Oneida Tribe of Indians of Wisconsin.
    Representatives of any other Indian tribe that believes itself to 
be culturally affiliated with this object should contact Ann Porter, 
Director, Robert Hull Fleming Museum, Colchester Avenue Burlington, VT 
05405, telephone: [phone] before March 17, 1995. 
[[Page 8733]] Repatriation of this tortoise shell rattle to the Oneida 
Indian Nation of New York can begin after that date if no additional 
claimants come forward.
Dated: February 9, 1995
Francis P. MacManamon
Departmental Consulting Archeologist
Chief, Archeological Assistance Division
[FR Doc. 95-3686 Filed 2-14-95; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-70-F