98-5407. Notice of Intent to Repatriate Cultural Items in the Possession of the Heard Museum, Phoenix, AZ

[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 41 (Tuesday, March 3, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Page 10407]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-5407]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

National Park Service


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

AGENCY: National Park Service

ACTION: Notice

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    Notice is hereby given under the Native American Graves Protection 
and Repatriation Act, 43 CFR 10.10 (a)(3), of the intent to repatriate 
cultural items in the possession of the Heard Museum which meets the 
definition of ``sacred object'' under Section 2 of the Act.
    The cultural items are two rattles consisting of painted hide and 
wooden handles.
    In 1930, these rattles were collected by an unknown person from an 
unknown location and were donated in 1988 to the Heard Museum by an 
anonymous donor.
    Consultation evidence presented by representatives of the Navajo 
Nation indicates these rattles are used in a number of Navajo 
ceremonies including the Night Way, Evil Way, Water Way, Lightning Way, 
and Life Way. Representatives of the Navajo Nation have further stated 
that these rattles are specific ceremonial objects needed by 
traditional Native American religious leaders for the practice of 
traditional Native American religions by present-day adherents.
    Based on the above-mentioned information, officials of the Heard 
Museum have determined that, pursuant to 43 CFR 10.2 (d)(3), these two 
cultural items are specific ceremonial objects needed by traditional 
Native American religious leaders for the practice of traditional 
Native American religions by their present-day adherents. Officials of 
the Heard Museum have also determined that, pursuant to 43 CFR 10.2 
(e), there is a relationship of shared group identity which can be 
reasonably traced between these items and the Navajo Nation.
    This notice has been sent to officials of the Navajo Nation. 
Representatives of any other Indian tribe that believes itself to be 
culturally affiliated with these objects should contact Martin 
Sullivan, Director, Heard Museum, 22 E. Monte Vista Rd, Phoenix, AZ 
85004-1480; telephone [phone] before April 2, 1998. Repatriation 
of these objects to the Navajo Nation may begin after that date if no 
additional claimants come forward.
Dated: February 25, 1998.
Francis P. McManamon,
Departmental Consulting Archeologist,
Manager, Archeology and Ethnography Program.
[FR Doc. 98-5407 Filed 3-2-98; 8:45 am]
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