Native American human remains and associated funerary objects: Children's Museum, Boston, MA; Hopi Katsina kwatsi (masks),

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

[Notices]

[Page 51785-51786]

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

[DOCID:fr24se99-101]

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

National Park Service

Notice of Intent to Repatriate Cultural Items in the Possession of The Children's Museum, Boston, MA

AGENCY: National Park Service

ACTION: Notice

Notice is hereby given under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, 43 CFR 10.10 (a)(3), of the intent to repatriate cultural items in the possession of The Children's Museum, Boston, MA which meet the definition of ``sacred objects'' under Section 2 of the Act.

The four cultural items are Hopi Katsina kwatsi (masks): Cloud, Spruce Boy, Chaqwina, and Mudhead.

In 1966, two of the kwatsi were purchased by The Children's Museum from McGee's Art Gallery in Keams Canyon, AZ. In 1970, the other two

[[Page 51786]]

kwatsi were purchased by The Children's Museum from William Bailey of New Mexico.

Museum records indicate these cultural items are all Katsina kwatsi (masks). Museum documentation indicates two of the kwatsi are Zuni. However, consultation with representatives of the Zuni Tribe of the Zuni Reservation in 1982 indicated that the two kwatsi are not Zuni. Museum documentation for the remaining two kwatsi indicates they are Hopi. Consultation with representatives of the Hopi Tribe indicate that all four Katsina kwatsi are Hopi; and the kwatsi are regarded as sacred objects needed by the Katsinmomngwit (Katsina Chiefs) of the Hopi Tribe in the Hopi villages for the practice of traditional Hopi religion.

Based on the above-mentioned information, officials of The Children's Museum have determined that, pursuant to 43 CFR 10.2 (d)(3), these four cultural items are specific ceremonial objects needed by traditional Native American religious leaders for the practice of traditional Native American religions by their present-day adherents. Officials of the The Children's 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 these items and the Hopi Tribe.

This notice has been sent to officials of the Hopi Tribe and the Zuni Tribe of the Zuni Reservation. Representatives of any other Indian tribe that believes itself to be culturally affiliated with these objects should contact Joan Lester, Native American Curator, The Children's Museum, 300 Congress Street, Boston, MA 02210-1034; telephone: (617) 426-6500 before October 25, 1999. Repatriation of these objects to the Hopi Tribe 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. 99-24856Filed9-23-99; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4310-70-F