[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 134 (Monday, July 14, 1997)]
[Notices]
[Page 37592]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-18431]
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
National Park Service
Notice of Intent to Repatriate a Cultural Item from New Mexico in
the Possession of the Laboratory of Anthropology, Museum of Indian Arts
and Culture, Museum of New Mexico, Santa Fe, NM
AGENCY: National Park Service
ACTION: Notice
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Notice is hereby given under the Native American Graves Protection
and Repatriation Act, 25 U.S.C. 3005 (a)(2), of the intent to
repatriate a cultural item from New Mexico in the possession of the
Laboratory of Anthropology, Museum of Indian Arts and Culture, Museum
of New Mexico, Santa Fe, NM which meets the definition of ``sacred
object'' under Section 2 of the Act.
The cultural item is a Chiricahua Apache Gahe mask of painted wood,
cloth, buckskin, shell, string, metal, and a mirror.
In 1996, this item was donated to the Museum of Indian Arts and
Culture by John and Pat Rosenwald for the purpose of repatriation.
Based on consulation and evidence provided by representatives of
the Mescalero Apache Tribe, this item has been determined to have been
made by Mr. Eustace Fatty, a member of the Chiricahua community at
Mescalero. Consultation evidence provided by representatives of the
Mescalero Apache Tribe further states that this item is needed by
traditional religious leaders for the practice of Native American
religion by present day adherents. Mr. Eustin Murphy, grandson of Mr.
Eustace Fatty, has claimed this mask as a lineal descendent, and
representatives of the Mescalero Apache Tribe have indicated that Mr.
Murphy is the appropriate custodian of the mask.
Based on the above information, officials of the Museum of New
Mexico have determined that, pursuant to 25 U.S.C. 3001 (3)(C), this
cultural item is a 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 Museum of New Mexico have also determined, pursuant to 25 U.S.C.
3005 (a)(5)(A), that Mr. Eustin Murphy is the direct lineal descendant
of the individual who owned this sacred object.
This notice has been sent to Mr. Eustin Murphy, and officials of
the Mescalero Apache Tribe and the Fort Sill Apache Tribe of Oklahoma.
Representatives of any other Indian tribe that believes itself to be
culturally affiliated with this object should contact Dr. Patricia
Neitfeld, NAGPRA Project Director, Museum of Indian Arts and Culture,
Museum of New Mexico, P.O. Box 2087, Santa Fe, NM 87504-2087; telephone
(505) 827-6344 ext. 559 before August 13, 1997. Repatriation of this
object to the Mr. Eustin Murphy may begin after that date if no
additional claimants come forward.
Dated: July 8, 1997.
Francis P. McManamon,
Departmental Consulting Archeologist,
Manager, Archeology and Ethnography Program.
[FR Doc. 97-18431 Filed 7-11-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-70-F
