Native American human remains and associated funerary objects: American Museum of Natural History, NY— Wampum string (two pieces),

[Federal Register: October 30, 1998 (Volume 63, Number 210)]

[Notices]

[Page 58417]

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

[DOCID:fr30oc98-112]

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

National Park Service

Notice of Intent to Repatriate a Cultural Item in the Possession of the American Museum of Natural History, New York City, NY

AGENCY: National Park Service, Interior.

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 a cultural item in the possession of the American Museum of Natural History, New York City, NY which meets the definition of ``object of cultural patrimony'' under Section 2 of the Act.

The cultural item is a wampum string in two pieces. The shell beads alternate white and purple, except at one end of the longer strand, which is made up of the purple wampum interspersed at two places with a single white bead, and with a third white bead at the end.

In 1910, the American Museum of Natural History purchased this wampum string from Mr. Erastus Tefft as part of his collection. Mr. Tefft had acquired the string from Mr. M.R. Harrington. According to the Museum's documentation, Mr. Harrington had acquired this wampum string from Mr. Dan Webster in Oneida, NY. The Museum's records state that this wampum string was ``said to represent the office of a chief in the Turtle Clan.''

Based on the Museum's records and consultation with representatives of the Oneida Nation of New York, this wampum string is affiliated with the Oneida Nation of New York. Consultation evidence presented by representatives of the Oneida Nation of New York also indicates that this item has ongoing historical, traditional, and cultural importance central to the Tribe itself, and no individual had the right to alienate it. The Museum's review of this information indicates that it is accurate.

Based on the above mentioned information, officials of the American Museum of Natural History 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 could not have been alienated, appropriated, or conveyed by any individual. Officials of the American Museum of Natural History 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 Oneida Nation of New York.

This notice has been sent to officials of the Oneida Nation of New York and the Oneida Tribe of Wisconsin. Representatives of any other Indian tribe that believes itself to be culturally affiliated with this object should contact Martha Graham, Registrar of Cultural Resources, American Museum of Natural History, Department of Anthropology, Central Park West at 79th Street, New York, NY 10024-5192; telephone: (212) 769-5846 before November 30, 1998. Repatriation of this object to the Oneida Nation of New York may begin after that date if no additional claimants come forward. Dated: October 22, 1998. Francis P. McManamon, Departmental Consulting Archeologist, Manager, Archeology and Ethnography Program.

[FR Doc. 98-29094Filed10-29-98; 8:45 am]

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