[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 74 (Tuesday, April 16, 1996)]
[Notices]
[Page 16643]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-9366]
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Notice of Inventory Completion for Native American Human Remains
and Associated Funerary Objects in the Possession of the Springfield
Science Museum, Springfield, MA
AGENCY: National Park Service
ACTION: Notice
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Notice is hereby given in accordance with provisions of the Native
American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), 25 U.S.C.
3003(d), of the completion of an inventory of human remains and
associated funerary objects in the control of the Springfield Science
Museum, Springfield, MA.
A detailed assessment of the human remains was made by Springfield
Science Museum professional staff in consultation with representatives
of the Santa Ynez Band of Mission Indians. The Esselen Nation and the
Ti'at Society/Traditional Council of Pimu, two non-Federally recognized
Native American groups, were also consulted regarding these human
remains.
In 1925, human remains representing two individuals were donated to
the Springfield Science Museum by Mr. Jacob T. Bowne. No known
individuals were identified. The approximately 200 associated funerary
objects include fish, mammal, and bird bones; shell beads; stone
implements; stone pendants; birdbone whistles; and a lead bullet.
In 1908 and 1909, Jacob T. Bowne collected these human remains and
associated funerary objects from Contra Cos (Emeryville Shell Mound),
Santa Rosa Island, Santa Cruz Island, San Miguel Island, and Goleta in
Santa Barbara County, CA. These sites were used as burial/funerary
areas between the late precontact period to the mid-nineteenth century,
and indicate continuity of funerary practice, tools, types of
ornamentation, and funerary objects throughout this period.
Consultation evidence presented by the Santa Ynez Band of Mission
Indians indicates these burial practices, tool manufacture, and types
of ornamentation and funerary objects are identical to known Chumash
traditional practices into the contact period. Artifactual evidence
does not allow specific identification of a single culturally
affiliated Indian tribe. However, examination of cultural materials
(e.g., stone tools, funerary practice, and ornaments) and oral history
regarding traditional and religious practice indicate probable cultural
affiliation between the human remains and various Chumash Indian
groups. Other Chumash peoples in addition to the Santa Ynez Band of
Mission Indians may also be culturally affiliated with these human
remains.
Based on the above mentioned information, officials of the
Springfield Science Museum have determined that, pursuant to 43 CFR
10.2 (d)(1), the human remains listed above represent the physical
remains of two individuals of Native American ancestry. Officials of
the Springfield Science Museum have also determined that, pursuant to
25 U.S.C. 3001 (3)(A), the approximately 200 objects listed above are
reasonably believed to have been placed with or near individual human
remains at the time of death or later as part of the death rite or
ceremony. Lastly, officials of the Springfield Science 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 these Native American human remains and associated funerary
objects and the Santa Ynez Band of Mission Indians.
This notice has been sent to officials of the Santa Ynez Band of
Mission Indians and Native American groups the Esselen Nation, and the
Ti'at Society/Traditional Council of Pimu. Representatives of any other
Indian tribe that believes itself to be culturally affiliated with
these human remains and associated funerary objects should contact John
Pretola, Curator of Anthropology, Springfield Science Museum, 236 State
Street, Springfield, MA 01103; telephone: (413) 263-6875, ext. 320,
before May 16, 1996. Repatriation of the human remains and associated
funerary objects to the Santa Ynez Band of Mission Indians may begin
after that date if no additional claimants come forward.
Dated: April 10, 1996.
C. Timothy McKeown,
Acting Departmental Consulting Archeologist, Archeology & Ethnography
Program.
[FR Doc. 96-9366 Filed 4-15-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-70-F
