[Federal Register: June 27, 1997 (Volume 62, Number 124)]
[Notices]
[Page 34777]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr27jn97-179]

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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

National Park Service, DOI

Notice of Intent To Repatriate Cultural Items in the Possession
of the Museum of Northern Arizona, Flagstaff, AZ

AGENCY: National Park Service, DOI.

ACTION: Notice.

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    Notice is hereby given under the Native American Graves Protection
and Repatriation Act, 25 U.S.C. 3005 (a)(2), of the intent to
repatriate cultural items in the possession of the Museum of Northern
Arizona which meet the definition of ``sacred objects'' and ``objects
of cultural patrimony'' under Section 2 of the Act.
    The 22 cultural items consist of Kipo Katsina, Wupamok Katsina,
Huhuwa Katsina, Yoche Katsina, two Koyemsi Katsinam, Mong Katsina, two
Tangik Katsinam, two Tukwunangmaana Katsinam, three Tukwunangtaaqa
KaaKatsinam, Katsina Maana, an unknown Katsina, ``Long Haired''
Katsina, a Coyote/Fire Clan Katsina, two Water Clan Katsinam, a Katsina
fragment, and the skull and femurs of a canine.
    In 1942, Yoche Katsina was donated to the Museum of Northern
Arizona by a private individual. In 1943, Kipo Katsina, Wupamok
Katsina, and Huhuwa Katsina were donated to the Museum of Northern
Arizona by a private individual. In 1961, Koyemsi Katsina and Mong
Katsina were accessioned into the Museum of Northern Arizona
collections through an exchange with the Chicago Museum of Natural
History. In 1962, two Tangik Katsinam, two Tuwanagmaana Katsinam, and
three Tukwanagtaaqa KaaKatsinam were purchased by the Museum of
Northern Arizona from a private individual. In 1962, Katsina Maana was
donated to the Museum of Northern Arizona by a private individual. In
1962, the skull and femurs of a canine were donated to the Museum of
Northern Arizona by a private individual. In 1966, an unknown Katsina
was donated to the Museum of Northern Arizona by a private individual
(this Katsina is currently missing in collection, but has not yet been
declared lost). In 1978, a Coyote/Fire Clan Katsina, two Water Clan
Katsinam, and a Katsina fragment were recovered during legally
authorized excavations by the Museum of Northern Arizona under contract
with the Commerce Department during improvement projects at Walpi
Pueblo. Accession information and anthropological evidence indicate
these Katsina masks are consistent with Hopi practice. Consultation
with representatives of the Hopi tribe indicates that these Katsina
masks are needed by traditional religious leaders for the practice of
Hopi religion by present day adherents. Representatives of the Hopi
Tribe further state that the 21 Katsina and the canine skeletal remains
have ongoing historical, traditional, and cultural importance central
to the Hopi Tribe, and could not have been alienated, appropriated, or
conveyed by any individual.
    Based on the above-mentioned information, officials of the Museum
of Northern Arizona have determined that, pursuant to 25 U.S.C. 3001
(3)(C), these 22 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 Museum of Northern Arizona have determined that,
pursuant to 25 U.S.C. 3001 (3)(D), these 22 cultural items have ongoing
historical, traditional, and cultural importance central to the culture
itself, and could not have been alienated, appropriated, or conveyed by
any individual. Officials of the Museum of Northern Arizona have also
determined that, pursuant to 25 U.S.C. 3001 (2), 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.
Representatives of any other Indian tribe that believes itself to be
culturally affiliated with these objects should contact Michael J. Fox,
Director, Museum of Northern Arizona, 3101 N. Fort Valley Rd.,
Flagstaff, AZ 86001, telephone (520) 774-5213 before July 28, 1997.
Repatriation of these objects to the Hopi Tribe may begin after that
date if no additional claimants come forward.
Dated: June 19, 1997.
Francis P. McManamon,
Departmental Consulting Archeologist,
Manager, Archeology and Ethnography Program.
[FR Doc. 97-16904 Filed 6-26-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-70-F

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