[Federal Register: August 4, 1998 (Volume 63, Number 149)]
[Notices]
[Page 41590-41591]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr04au98-96]

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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

National Park Service

Notice of Inventory Completion for Native American Human Remains
and Associated Funerary Objects from New Mexico and Texas in the
Possession of the Carlsbad Museum and Art Center, Carlsbad, NM

AGENCY: National Park Service, DOI.

ACTION: Notice.

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    Notice is hereby given in accordance with provisions of the Native
American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), 43 CFR 10.9,
of the completion of an inventory of human remains and associated
funerary objects from New Mexico and Texas in the possession of the
Carlsbad Museum and Art Center, Carlsbad, NM.
    A detailed assessment of the human remains was made by Carlsbad
Museum and Art Center and University of New Mexico Archaeology/
Osteology Lab professional staff in consultation with representatives
of the Fort Sill Apache Tribe, the Mescalero Apache Tribe, and the
Jicarilla Apache Tribe.
    In 1934 or 1935, human remains representing a minimum of two
individuals were recovered from Williams Cave, Culberson County, TX
during excavations conducted by the University of Pennsylvania. No
known individuals were identified. The five associated funerary objects
include an antelope hide bag and pieces of cord and twine.
    In 1934 or 1935, human remains representing two individuals were
recovered from the Guadalupe Mountains, TX during excavations conducted
by the University of Pennsylvania. No known individuals were
identified. The one associated funerary object consists of a large
basket with the bottom and sides broken.
    In 1934 or 1935, human remains representing one individual were
recovered form the Guadalupe Mountains, TX during excavations conducted
by the University of Pennsylvania. No known individual was identified.
The one associated funerary object consists of a burial basket with the
bottom broken, small round woven object, straw or grass in bottom of
the basket.
    In 1934 or 1935, human remains representing one individual were
recovered from the Guadalupe Mountains, TX during excavations conducted
by the University of Pennsylvania. No known individual was identified.
The ten associated funerary objects include a cradleboard made of long
reeds bound with larger twigs and fastened with twine or rope, multiple
strands of cotton-like yarn woven together, and a hide infant bonnet.
    Based on the associated funerary objects, these human remains have
been identified as Native American. Based on the form and styles of the
basketry, cradleboard, and manner of interments, these individuals have
been identified as Apache. Consultation with representatives of the
Fort Sill Apache Tribe, the Mescalero Apache Tribe, and the Jicarilla
Apache Tribe indicates that

[[Page 41591]]

location, material culture, and manner of interment are all consistent
with traditional Apache practice. Further, based on oral history and
historical documents, the Guadalupe Mountains have been identified as
having been occupied by the Mescalero Apache during the historic
period.
    Based on the above mentioned information, officials of the Carlsbad
Museum and Art Center have determined that, pursuant to 43 CFR 10.2
(d)(1), the human remains listed above represent the physical remains
of a minimum of six individuals of Native American ancestry. Officials
of the Carlsbad Museum and Art Center have also determined that,
pursuant to 43 CFR 10.2 (d)(2), the 17 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 Carlsbad Museum and Art Center have
determined that, pursuant to 43 CFR 10.2 (e), 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
Mescalero Apache Tribe.
    This notice has been sent to officials of the Fort Sill Apache
Tribe, the Mescalero Apache Tribe, and the Jicarilla Apache Tribe.
Representatives of any other Indian tribe that believes itself to be
culturally affiliated with these human remains and associated funerary
objects should contact Pat Jablonsky, Director, Carlsbad Museum and Art
Center, 418 West Fox Street, Carlsbad, NM 88220; telephone: (505) 887-
0276, before September 3, 1998. Repatriation of the human remains and
associated funerary objects to the Mescalero Apache Tribe  may begin
after that date if no additional claimants come forward.
Dated: July 14, 1998.
Michele Aubry,
Acting Departmental Consulting Archeologist,
Archeology and Ethnography Program.
[FR Doc. 98-20714 Filed 8-3-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-70-F

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