[Federal Register: March 24, 1998 (Volume 63, Number 56)]
[Notices]
[Page 14138]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr24mr98-109]

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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

National Park Service

Notice of Intent to Repatriate a Cultural Item in the Possession
of the Robert S. Peabody Museum of Archaeology, Phillips Academy,
Andover, MA

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
a cultural item in the possession of the Robert S. Peabody Museum of
Archaeology, Phillips Academy which meets the definition of ``sacred
object'' and ``object of cultural patrimony'' under Section 2 of the
Act.
    The item is a clan mask made of buffalo hide, including an arm
decoration with tin tinklers.
    In November of 1938, this clan mask was bought from a member of the
Pueblo of Jemez through Frank C. Hibben and E.F. Goad of the University
of New Mexico on behalf of Douglas S. Byers, Director of the Robert S.
Peabody Museum.
    The cultural affiliation of this clan mask with the Pueblo of Jemez
is clear. The mask is known by the religious leaders of the Pueblo of
Jemez, and museum documentation indicates it is from the Pueblo of
Jemez. Museum documentation further indicates that the Museum staff
were aware at the time of acquisition this mask's importance to the
clan it originated from and of its active role in the religious life of
the community. Consultation evidence presented by representative of the
Pueblo of Jemez indicates it is needed by traditional religious leaders
for the practice of traditional Native American religion by present-day
adherents. Further, representatives of the Pueblo of Jemez have stated
that this mask was not and is not an object which can be alientated by
any individual.
    Based on the above-mentioned information, officials of the Robert
S. Peabody Museum have determined that, pursuant to 43 CFR 10.2 (d)(3),
this cultural item is a specific ceremonial object needed by
traditional Native American religious leaders for the practice of
traditional Native American religions by their present-day adherents.
Officials of the Robert S. Peabody Museum have determined that,
pursuant to 43 CFR 10.2 (d)(4), this cultural item has ongoing
historical, traditional, and cultural importance central to the culture
itself, and could not have been alienated, appropriated, or conveyed by
any individual. Officials of the Robert S. Peabody 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 this
item and the Pueblo of Jemez.
    This notice has been sent to officials of the Pueblo of Jemez.
Representatives of any other Indian tribe that believes itself to be
culturally affiliated with this object should contact James W. Bradley,
Director, Robert S. Peabody Museum of Archaeology, Phillips Academy,
Andover, MA 01810, telephone (978) 749-4490 before April 23, 1998.
Repatriation of this object to the Pueblo of Jemez may begin after that
date if no additional claimants come forward.
Dated: March 16, 1998.

    Francis P. McManamon,
Departmental Consulting Archeologist,
Manager, Archeology and Ethnography Program.
[FR Doc. 98-7503 Filed 3-23-98 ; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-70-F

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