[Federal Register: October 5, 2001 (Volume 66, Number 194)]
[Notices]
[Page 51067]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr05oc01-126]

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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

National Park Service----


Notice of Intent to Repatriate a Cultural Item in the Possession
of the Maxwell Museum of Anthropology, University of New Mexico,
Albuquerque, NM

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 (NAGPRA), 43 CFR 10.10
(a)(3), of the intent to repatriate a cultural item in the possession
of the Maxwell Museum of Anthropology, University of New Mexico,
Albuquerque, NM, that meets the definition of ``sacred object'' and
``object of cultural patrimony'' under Section 2 of the Act.
    This notice is published as part of the National Park Service's
administrative responsibilities under NAGPRA, 43 CFR 10.2 (c). The
determinations within this notice are the sole responsibility of the
museum, institution, or Federal agency that has control of the cultural
item. The National Park Service is not responsible for the
determinations within this notice.
    The cultural item is a Na' at' oye Jish ceremonial bundle of faunal
materials, minerals, leather, and cloth.
    In 1967, this cultural item was purchased by the Maxwell Museum of
Anthropology, University of New Mexico from Fred Hughes of Kirtland,
NM. The museum has no information regarding the circumstances of the
collection of this cultural item by Mr. Hughes.
    Documentation associated with the Na' at' oye Jish ceremonial
bundle and information provided by representatives of the Navajo
Nation, Arizona, New Mexico & Utah confirm that a relationship of
shared group identity exists between the original makers of the
ceremonial bundle and the Navajo Nation, Arizona, New Mexico & Utah.
Representatives of the Navajo Nation, Arizona, New Mexico & Utah also
have indicated that 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. Representatives of the Navajo Nation, Arizona, New Mexico &
Utah provided evidence that this cultural item has ongoing historical,
traditional, and cultural importance central to the tribe itself, and
is of such central importance that it may not be alienated,
appropriated, or conveyed, by any individual tribal or organization
member.
    Based on the above-mentioned information, officials of the Maxwell
Museum of Anthropology, University of New Mexico 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 Maxwell Museum of
Anthropology, University of New Mexico also have determined that,
pursuant to 43 CFR 10.2 (d)(4), this cultural item has ongoing
historical, traditional, and cultural importance central to the tribe
itself, and is of such central importance that it may not be alienated,
appropriated, or conveyed, by any individual tribal or organization
member. Lastly, officials of the Maxwell Museum of Anthropology,
University of New Mexico have determined that, pursuant to 43 CFR 10.2
(e), there is a relationship of shared group identity that can be
reasonably traced between this sacred object/object of cultural
patrimony and the Navajo Nation, Arizona, New Mexico & Utah.
    This notice has been sent to officials of the Navajo Nation,
Arizona, New Mexico & Utah. Representatives of any other Indian tribe
that believes itself to be culturally affiliated with this sacred
object/object of cultural patrimony should contact Dr. Michael A.
Lewis, Curator of Archaeology, Maxwell Museum of Anthropology,
University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, telephone (505) 277-
1548, facsimile (505) 277-1547, before November 5, 2001. Repatriation
of this sacred object/object of cultural patrimony to the Navajo
Nation, Arizona, New Mexico & Utah may begin after that date if no
additional claimants come forward.

    Dated: July 17, 2001.
John Robbins,
Assistant Director, Cultural Resources Stewardship and Partnerships.
[FR Doc. 01-24961 Filed 10-4-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-70-S