Native American human remains and associated funerary objects: Anthropological Studies Center, Archeological Collections Facility, Sonoma State University, CA; inventory from Dry Lagoon State Park, CA,

[Federal Register: September 24, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 185)]

[Notices]

[Page 51785]

From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

[DOCID:fr24se99-100]

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

National Park Service

Notice of Inventory Completion for Native American Human Remains and an Associated Funerary Object from Dry Lagoon State Park, CA in the Possession of the Anthropological Studies Center, Archeological Collections Facility, Sonoma State University, Rohnert Park, CA; and in the Control of the California Department of Parks and Recreation, Sacramento, CA

AGENCY: National Park Service

ACTION: Notice

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 an associated funerary object in the possession of the Anthropological Studies Center (ASC), Archeological Collections Facility (ACF), Sonoma State University, Rohnert Park, CA; and in the control of the California Department of Parks and Recreation, Sacramento, CA.

A detailed assessment of the human remains was made by ASC and California Department of Parks and Recreation professional staff in consultation with representatives of the Yurok Tribe of California.

In 1976, human remains representing four individuals were recovered from site CA-HUM-129 in Stone Lagoon, Dry Lagoon State Park, CA during salvage excavations conducted for bluff stabilization by Dr. David A. Fredrickson, Sonoma State University. These human remains were accessioned into the collections of the Archaeological Colletions Facility at Sonoma State University. No known individuals were identified. The one associated funerary object is an acorn.

In 1978, human remains representing five individuals were recovered from site CA-HUM-129 in Stone Lagoon, Dry Lagoon State Park, CA during salvage excavations conducted for bluff stabilization by Dr. David A. Fredrickson, Sonoma State University. These human remains were accessioned into the collections of the Archaeological Collections Facility at Sonoma State University. No known individuals were identified. No associated funerary objects were present.

Based on material culture and C14 dates, these human remains have been identified as Native American dating to between 1490 and 215 B.P. Geographical, ethnographical, linguistic, and historical evidence indicates that this archeological site is located within the traditional Coast Yurok territory. Based on archeological evidence, continuity of occupation, ethnographic accounts, and consultation with representatives of the Yurok Tribe of California, site CA-HUM-129 has been affiliated with the present-day Yurok Tribe of California.

Based on the above mentioned information, officials of Somoma State University and the California Department of Parks and Recreation have determined that, pursuant to 43 CFR 10.2 (d)(1), the human remains listed above represent the physical remains of nine individuals of Native American ancestry. Officials of Somoma State University and the California Department of Parks and Recreation have also determined that, pursuant to 43 CFR 10.2 (d)(2), the one object 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 Somoma State University and the California Department of Parks and Recreation 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 object and the Yurok Tribe of California.

This notice has been sent to officials of the Yurok Tribe of California. Representatives of any other Indian tribe that believes itself to be culturally affiliated with these human remains and associated funerary objects should contact Paulette Hennum, NAGPRA Coordinator, California Department of Parks and Recreation, 1416- 9th Street, Room 1431, Sacramento, CA 95814; telephone: (916) 653-7976, before October 25, 1999. Repatriation of the human remains and associated funerary object to the Yurok Tribe of California may begin after that date if no additional claimants come forward. Dated: September 14, 1999. Veletta Canouts, Acting Departmental Consulting Archeologist, Deputy Manager, Archeology and Ethnography Program.

[FR Doc. 99-24857Filed9-23-99; 8:45 am]

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