Native American human remains and associated funerary objects: Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology, MA— Inventory from Plymouth, MA,

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

[Notices]

[Page 58417-58418]

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

[DOCID:fr30oc98-113]

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

National Park Service

Notice of Inventory Completion for Native American Human Remains and Associated Funerary Objects in the Possession of the Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA and the Plimoth Plantation, Plymouth, MA

AGENCY: National Park Service, Interior.

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 associated funerary objects in the possession of the Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA and the Plimoth Plantation, Plymouth, MA.

A detailed assessment of the human remains was made by Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology and Plimoth Plantation professional staff in consultation with representatives of the Wampanoag Repatriation Confederation on behalf of the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head; and the Mashpee Wampanoag and the Assonet Band of the Wampanoag Nation, two non-Federally recognized Indian groups.

In 1934, human remains representing two individuals were recovered in Plymouth, MA by Henry and Ralph Hornblower and Jesse Brewer on property owned by the Hornblowers adjacent to the Eel River. Also in 1934, these human remains were transferred to the Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology. No known individuals were identified. The five associated funerary objects include a triangular brass projectile point with attached sinew, a box of yellow ochre, a Native-made ceramic sherd, and two bark containers. During the 1950s, these objects were donated to the Plimoth Plantation by Harry Hornblower.

The documentation associated with the objects indicates these objects were associated with the human remains from the Hornblower property at the Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology. Based on the presence of the brass projectile point, the burials have been estimated to date to the early historic period or later, post 1600 A.D. Historic documents (including the 1606 Champlain Map of Port Saint Louis) and oral tradition indicate the presence of Wampanoag in this area during this time. The Eel River in Plymouth, MA is located within the traditional territory of the Wampanoag during the early historic period.

Based on the above mentioned information, officials of the Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology and the Plimoth Plantation have determined that, pursuant to 43 CFR 10.2 (d)(1), the human remains listed above represent the physical remains of two individuals of Native American ancestry. Officials of the Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology and the Plimoth Plantation have also determined that, pursuant to 43 CFR 10.2 (d)(2), the five objects 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 the Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology and the Plimoth Plantation 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 objects and the Wampanoag Repatriation Confederation on behalf of the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head; and the Mashpee Wampanoag and the Assonet Band of the Wampanoag Nation, two non-Federally recognized Indian groups.

This notice has been sent to officials of the Wampanoag Repatriation Confederation on behalf of the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head; and the

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Mashpee Wampanoag and the Assonet Band of the Wampanoag Nation, two non-Federally recognized Indian groups. Representatives of any other Indian tribe that believes itself to be culturally affiliated with these human remains and associated funerary objects should contact Barbara Isaac, Repatriation Coordinator, Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology, 11 Divinity Ave., Cambridge, MA 02138; telephone: (617) 496-2254; and/or Karin Goldstein, Curator of Original Collections, Plimoth Plantation, PO Box 1620, Plymouth, MA 02362; telephone (508) 746-1622, ext. 379, before November 30, 1998. Repatriation of the human remains and associated funerary objects to the Wampanoag Repatriation Confederation on behalf of the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head; and the Mashpee Wampanoag and the Assonet Band of the Wampanoag Nation, two non-Federally recognized Indian groups 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. 98-29093Filed10-29-98; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4310-70-F