[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 128 (Wednesday, July 5, 1995)]
[Notices]
[Pages 35047-35048]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-16402]
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Notice of Intent to Repatriate Native American Items in the
Possession of the Hood Museum of Art, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH
AGENCY: National Park Service, Interior
ACTION: Notice
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Notice is hereby given in accordance with provisions of the Native
American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act of 1990 (25 U.S.C. 3001
et seq.) of the intent to repatriate cultural items that are currently
in the possession of the Hood Museum of Art at Dartmouth College,
Hanover, NH, and meet the definition of ``sacred object'' and ``object
of cultural patrimony'' under 25 U.S.C. 3001.
Two items are covered by this notice. The first item, identified by
the catalog number 46.17.10084 is a 22 cm. long, hand carved wooden
cylinder with a shouldered conical point. Tied under the shoulder with
a white cotton cord are three brown and white feathers with some red
pigment added. At about the mid-point of the cylinder are five large
brown and white feathers, a miniature red bow and two red arrows, two
small shells, five small white downy feathers, three small blue
feathers, and a circular wooden rim webbed with white cord.
The second item, 46.17.10085, is similar to the first but differs
in some of the specific details. The wooden cylinder is 44 cms long,
has a shouldered tip, and there are four downy feathers and two small
blue ones attached at the mid-point.
Both items were collected in 1903 at the Zuni Pueblo by Frank and
Clara Churchill. Frank Churchill was a Special Federal Inspector of
Indian Schools who bequeathed his collection to Dartmouth College in
1946.
After reviewing the written and photographic documentation provided
by the museum, the Zuni Cultural Advisory Team, made up of traditional
religious leaders, identified both items as prayer sticks. The Team
determined that the items described above are culturally affiliated
with the Zuni Tribe and they are to be associated with the Ahayu:da or
Twin Gods. The Team indicated that if they are not in their rightful
shrine home on the Zuni Reservation, they have been illegally removed.
Pursuant to 25 U.S.C. 3005 the Governor of the Pueblo of Zuni, on
[[Page 35048]]
behalf of the religious leaders and Tribal Council, has formally
requested the repatriation of the two prayer sticks described above.
Based on the above mentioned information, officials of the Hood
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 prayer sticks and the Pueblo of Zuni. Officials of the Hood
Museum have also determined that the prayer sticks meet the definition
of sacred object pursuant to 25 U.S.C. 3001 (3)(C). The Hood Museum of
Art has no objection to this request.
Authorities of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service have
been contacted regarding applicability of Federal endangered species
statutes to this transfer and have concurred in the conclusion that the
objects are not covered due to their age.
This notice has been sent to officials of the Pueblo of Zuni.
Representatives of any other Indian tribe that believes itself to be
culturally affiliated with these prayer sticks should contact Kellen G.
Haak, Registrar and Repatriation Coordinator, Hood Museum of Art,
Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, telephone (603) 646-3109 before
[thirty days after the publication date of this notice in the FEDERAL
REGISTER]. Repatriation of these prayer sticks to the Pueblo of Zuni
may begin after that date if no additional claimants come forward.
Dated: June 29, 1995
Veletta Canouts
Acting Departmental Consulting Archeologist and
Acting Chief, Archeological Assistance Division
[FR Doc. 95-16402 Filed 7-3-95; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-70-F
