[Federal Register: January 11, 2002 (Volume 67, Number 8)]
[Notices]
[Page 1503-1505]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr11ja02-92]

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

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 U.S.
Department of the Interior, National Park Service, Death Valley
National Park, Death Valley, CA and NV

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 U.S. Department of the
Interior, National Park Service, Death Valley National Park, Death
Valley, CA and NV.
    This notice is published as part of the National Park Service's
administrative responsibilities under NAGPRA, 43 CFR 10.2 (c). The
determinations within this notice are the sole responsibility of the
National Park Service unit that has control or possession of these
Native American human remains. The Manager of the National NAGPRA
Program is not responsible for the determinations within this notice.
    A detailed assessment of the human remains and associated funerary
objects was made by National Park Service professional staff in
consultation with the Big Pine Band of Owens Valley Paiute Shoshone
Indians of the Big Pine Reservation, California; Chemehuevi Indian
Tribe of the Chemehuevi Reservation, California; Death Valley Timbi-Sha
Shoshone Band of California; Duckwater Shoshone Tribe of the Duckwater
Reservation, Nevada; Ely Shoshone Tribe of Nevada; Fort Independence
Indian Community of Paiute Indians of the Fort Independence
Reservation, California; Las Vegas Tribe of Paiute Indians of the Las
Vegas Indian Colony, Nevada; Moapa Band of Paiute Indians of the Moapa
River Indian Reservation, Nevada; Paiute-Shoshone Indians of the Bishop
Community of the Bishop Colony, California; Paiute-Shoshone Tribe of
the Fallon Reservation and Colony, Nevada; Paiute-Shoshone Indians of
the Lone Pine Community of the Lone Pine Reservation, California;
Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe of the Pyramid Lake Reservation, Nevada;
Reno-Sparks Indian Colony, Nevada; Walker River Paiute Tribe of the
Walker River Reservation, Nevada; and Yerington Paiute Tribe of the
Yerington Colony & Campbell Ranch, Nevada. A representative of the
Kawaiisu, a nonfederally recognized Indian group, was also consulted.
    The National Park Service contracted with LSA Associates, Inc., of
Irvine, CA, to assist in compliance with NAGPRA. The LSA study, Death
Valley National Park Cultural Affiliation Study (1998), evaluated all
collections from the area previously administered as U.S. Department of
the Interior, Death Valley National Monument. In 1995, additional lands
formerly under the control of the U.S. Department of the Interior,
Bureau of Land Management were transferred to Death Valley National
Park. Collections from these new lands have not been fully evaluated by
the National Park Service at this time.
    In 1953, human remains representing one individual were recovered
during legally authorized excavations by William Wallace at site CA-
INY-1034 near Mesquite Flat, Inyo County, CA. This individual had been
cremated. No known individual was identified. The one associated
funerary object is a chert projectile point. The associated funerary
object indicates that these human remains probably were cremated during
the Death Valley III or IV period (A.D. 1-1870).
    In 1953, human remains representing one individual were recovered
during legally authorized excavations by William Wallace at site CA-
INY-1137 near Mesquite Flat, Inyo County, CA. This individual had been
cremated. No known individual was identified. The five associated
funerary objects are three manos, one chert drill, and one bag of glass
beads. The associated funerary objects indicate that these human
remains probably were cremated during the Death Valley IV period (A.D.
1000-1870).
    In 1954, human remains representing one individual were recovered
during legally authorized excavations by William Wallace at a site (no
trinomial) near Wingate Wash, in either Inyo or San Bernardino County,
CA. This individual was found in a previously disturbed site. No known
individual was identified. The two associated funerary objects are two
lithic quarry blanks. Mr. Wallace noted that an archaic type projectile
was found in association with the burial and thus assigned this burial
to the Death Valley II period (3000 B.C.-A.D. 1). This projectile point
has not been found in the park's collections.
    In 1954, human remains representing one individual were recovered
during legally authorized excavations by William Wallace at site CA-
INY-1239, Inyo County, CA. This individual had been cremated and was
found at the base of a sand dune. No known individual was identified.
The three associated funerary objects are two ceramic potsherds and one
bag of glass beads. The associated objects indicate that these human
remains probably were cremated during the Death Valley IV period (A.D.
1000-1870).
    In 1954, human remains representing one individual were recovered
during legally authorized excavations by William Wallace at site CA-
INY-1215 near Mesquite Flat, Inyo County, CA. This individual had been
cremated. No known individual was identified. The one associated
funerary object is a lithic uniface fragment. The associated funerary
object indicates that these human remains probably were cremated during
the Death Valley III or IV Period (A.D. 1-1870).
    In 1954, human remains representing one individual were recovered
during legally authorized excavations by William Wallace at site CA-
INY-1234 near Mesquite Flat, Inyo County, CA. This individual had been
cremated. No known individual was identified. The 144 associated
funerary objects are 10 shell beads, 3 stone pestle fragments, 6

[[Page 1504]]

manos, 1 pecking stone, 1 stone hammer, 1 stone pendant, 1 arrow shaft
smoother, 1 smoothing stone, 2 corner notched chert projectile points
(1 rosespring type and 1 possible elko type), 1 obsidian drill, 48
ceramic potsherds, 1 iron angle brace, 2 metal overall buttons, 2
pieces of window glass, 2 glass bottle fragments, 60 whole and
fragmented glass beads, and 2 clay coils. The associated funerary
objects indicate that these human remains probably were cremated during
the Death Valley III or IV period (A.D. 1-1870).
    In 1955, human remains representing one individual were recovered
during legally authorized excavations by William Wallace and Edith
Taylor at Hole-in-the-Rock rockshelter (no trinomial), Inyo County, CA.
This individual was found wrapped in a rabbit-skin blanket and buried
in the rockshelter. No known individual was identified. The nine
associated funerary objects are five shell beads, one ceramic sherd
scraper, one chopper, one hammerstone, and one fragmented rabbit-skin
blanket or cloak. Mr. Wallace suggests that the site dates to the Death
Valley III period. The associated funerary objects indicate that these
human remains probably were buried sometime during the Death Valley III
or IV period (A.D. 1-1870).
    In 1955, human remains representing one individual were recovered
during legally authorized excavations by William Wallace at site CA-
INY-3328 near Mesquite Flat, Inyo County, CA. This individual had been
cremated. No known individual was identified. The 23 associated
funerary objects are 1 jar of glass beads, 7 rivets, 9 buttons, 3
overall clips, 1 projectile point, 1 mano, and 1 bag of glass beads.
The associated funerary objects indicate that these human remains
probably were cremated during the Death Valley IV period (A.D. 1000-
1870).
    In 1956, human remains representing four individuals were recovered
during legally authorized excavations by William Wallace, Alice Hunt,
and Edith Taylor at site CA-INY-522 near Tule Spring, Inyo County, CA.
These individuals were found buried in a stone mound. No known
individuals were identified. The 12 associated funerary objects are 3
projectile points (2 rosespring type and 1 unknown leaf-shaped point),
2 fragments of bone pendants, 1 bone awl, 4 fragments of a bone awl, 1
shell bead, and 1 lithic uniface. The associated funerary objects
indicate that these human remains probably were buried during the Death
Valley III period (A.D. 1-1000).
    In 1956, human remains representing four individuals were recovered
during legally authorized excavations by William Wallace, Alice Hunt,
and Edith Taylor at site CA-INY-525 near Bennetts Well, Inyo County,
CA. All four individuals were found buried in a rock mound. No known
individuals were identified. The 45 associated funerary objects are 43
shell beads and 2 shells. The associated funerary objects indicate that
these human remains probably were buried sometime during the Death
Valley III period (A.D. 1-1000).
    In 1956, human remains representing one individual were recovered
during legally authorized excavations by William Wallace and Roger
Desautels at site CA-SBR-90 near Saratoga Springs, San Bernardino
County, CA. This individual was found buried in a bell-shaped pit. No
known individual was identified. The seven associated funerary objects
are three projectile point fragments (one rosespring or desert side-
notched type and two of unknown type), three chert blade fragments, and
one chert graver. The associated funerary objects indicate that these
human remains probably were buried during the Death Valley III period
(A.D. 1-1000).
    In 1956, human remains representing one individual were recovered
during legally authorized excavations by William Wallace at Old Crump
rockshelter (site CA-INY-3044), Inyo County, CA. This individual was
found buried in the rockshelter. No known individual was identified.
The 42 associated funerary objects are 6 fragmented or complete stone
blades, 8 fragmented or complete projectile points (including 2
cottonwood type, 1 rosespring type, and 5 of unknown type), 5 ceramic
sherds, 3 bead fragments, 3 pendants, 2 awls, 3 mammal bone artifacts,
2 scrapers, 1 pipe fragment, 4 pine nut shells, 1 wood stick, 3 glass
fragments, and 1 tin can fragment. The associated funerary objects
indicate that these human remains probably were buried sometime during
the Death Valley III or IV period (A.D. 1-1870).
    In 1956, human remains representing one individual were recovered
during legally authorized excavations by Alice Hunt at site CA-INY-793
near Tule Spring, Inyo County, CA. This individual was found buried in
a stone mound. No known individual was identified. The two associated
funerary objects are lithic bifaces. Similar Death Valley III and Death
Valley IV burial sites located in this area and recorded by Ms. Hunt
indicate that these human remains probably were buried during the Death
Valley III or IV period (A.D. 1-1870).
    In 1956, human remains representing one individual were recovered
during legally authorized excavations by Alice Hunt at site CA-INY-582
near Tule Spring, Inyo County, CA. This individual was found buried in
a stone mound. No known individual was identified. The one associated
funerary object is a metal overall button. The associated funerary
object indicates that these human remains probably were buried during
the Death Valley IV period (A.D. 1000-1870).
    In 1957, human remains representing one individual were recovered
during legally authorized excavations by Alice Hunt at site CA-INY-896
near Gravel Well, Inyo County, CA. This individual was found buried in
a stone mound. No known individual was identified. No funerary objects
are present. Similar Death Valley III and Death Valley IV burial sites
located in this area and recorded by Ms. Hunt indicate that these human
remains probably were buried during the Death Valley III or IV period
(A.D. 1-1870).
    In 1957, human remains representing one individual were recovered
during legally authorized excavations by Alice Hunt at site CA-INY-884
near Eagle Borax, Inyo County, CA. The individual was found buried in a
stone mound. No known individual was identified. No funerary objects
are present. Similar Death Valley III and Death Valley IV burial sites
located in this area recorded by Ms. Hunt indicate that these human
remains probably were buried during the Death Valley III or IV period
(A.D. 1-1870).
    In 1958, human remains representing one individual were recovered
during legally authorized excavations by Alice Hunt at site CA-INY-3136
near Tule Spring, Inyo County, CA. This individual was found buried in
a stone mound. No known individual was identified. No funerary objects
are present. Similar Death Valley III and Death Valley IV burial sites
located in this area and recorded by Ms. Hunt indicate that these human
remains probably were buried during the Death Valley III or IV period
(A.D. 1-1870).
    In 1958, human remains representing one individual were recovered
during legally authorized excavations by Alice Hunt at site Mound E (no
trinomial) near Tule Spring, Inyo County, CA. The individual was found
buried in a stone mound. No known individual was identified. No
funerary objects are present. Similar Death Valley III and Death Valley
IV burial sites located in this area and recorded by Ms. Hunt indicate
that these human remains

[[Page 1505]]

probably were buried during the Death Valley III or IV period (A.D. 1-
1870).
    In 1958, human remains representing one individual were recovered
during legally authorized excavations by Alice Hunt at site CA-INY-3142
near Bennetts Well, Inyo County, CA. This individual was found buried
in a stone mound. No known individual was identified. No funerary
objects are present. Similar Death Valley III and Death Valley IV
burial sites located in this area and recorded by Ms. Hunt indicate
that these human remains probably were buried during the Death Valley
III or IV period (A.D. 1-1870).
    In 1958, human remains representing one individual were recovered
during legally authorized excavations by Alice Hunt at site CA-INY-3137
near Tule Spring, Inyo County, CA. This individual had been cremated
and was found buried in a stone mound. No known individual was
identified. The four associated funerary objects are blue glass trade
beads. The associated funerary objects indicate that these human
remains probably were cremated during the Death Valley IV period (A.D.
1000-1870).
    In 1959, human remains representing one individual were recovered
during legally authorized excavations by Alice Hunt at site Mound C (no
trinomial) near Tule Spring, Inyo County, CA. This individual was found
buried in a stone mound. No known individual was identified. The two
associated funerary objects are bird bones. Similar Death Valley III
and Death Valley IV burial sites located in this area recorded by Ms.
Hunt indicate that these human remains probably were buried during the
Death Valley III or IV period (A.D. 1-1870).
    Around 1960, human remains representing one individual were
recovered during unauthorized excavations by Ken Robinson at an
unspecified location within Death Valley National Monument. No known
individual was identified. The 45 associated funerary objects are 6
worked sticks, 1 small animal trap, 1 rawhide strip, 2 basketry
fragments, 1 ceramic potsherd, 1 nut shell, 2 metal buttons, 1 .36-
caliber lead ball, 1 wooden fire drill platform, 13 pieces of cordage,
15 projectile points (11 cottonwood type, 1 desert side-notch type, 1
rosespring type, 1 that is either a rosespring type or a drill, and 1
unknown type), and 1 bifacial blade. Mr. Robinson transferred the human
remains and associated funerary objects to the Maturango Museum in
Ridgecrest, CA. The museum contacted the monument when they learned the
origin of the human remains and associated funerary objects, and
returned them to the monument in 1992. The associated funerary objects
indicate that these human remains probably were buried sometime during
the Death Valley III or IV Period (A.D. 1-1870).
    The above-mentioned human remains were dated based on projectile
point cross-dating, changes in burial practices, the presence of
ceramics or trade beads, and other archeological evidence. The remains
of one individual were dated to the Death Valley II period (3000 B.C.-
A.D. 1) based on the presence of an archaic style projectile point. The
remains of the other 27 individuals were dated to the Death Valley III
or Death Valley IV periods (A.D. 1-1870). Alice Hunt suggests in
Archeology of the Death Valley Salt Pan, California (1960) that during
the early Death Valley II period, human remains were typically buried
in pits in a flexed position, along with arrow points, bone tools, and
shell beads, and covered with mounds of rock. This pattern continues
into the Death Valley III period. William Wallace documented a shift to
cremation during the Death Valley III and Death Valley IV periods in
Death Valley National Monument's Prehistoric Past: An Archeological
Overview (1977). Rock burial mounds also are a trait of the Death
Valley IV occupation. Mr. Wallace interprets the shift in burial
practices to reflect the arrival of a new population in the area that
ultimately absorbed the original population and incorporated much of
their culture. Mr. Wallace concludes that the resulting new population
is the ancestors of the Panamint (Shoshone) Indians of historic times.
    Relevant ethnographic research and oral traditions pertaining to
language, social and political organization, subsistence strategies,
resources and settlement patterns, trade and exchange, religion,
ritualism, and ceremonialism further supports the archeological record.
The LSA study concludes that all of the archaeological sites
located within Death Valley [National Park] and including human remains
appear to be part of an unbroken archaeological tradition beginning
circa 3000 B.C. and continuing through historic contact. Hence, without
specific evidence to the contrary, all the archaeological material have
probable affiliation with the Timbi-Sha Shoshone people who currently
live in Death Valley.
    Based on the above-mentioned information, the superintendent of
Death Valley National Park has determined that, pursuant to 43 CFR 10.2
(d)(1), the human remains listed above represent the physical remains
of 28 individuals of Native American ancestry. The superintendent of
Death Valley National Park also has determined that, pursuant to 43 CFR
10.2 (d)(2), the 348 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, the
superintendent of Death Valley National Park has determined that,
pursuant to 43 CFR 10.2 (e), there is a relationship of shared group
identity that can be reasonably traced between these Native American
human remains and associated funerary objects and the Death Valley
Timbi-Sha Shoshone Band of California.
    This notice has been sent to officials of the Death Valley Timbi-
Sha Shoshone Band 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 James T.
Reynolds, Superintendent, Death Valley National Park, P.O. Box 579,
Death Valley, CA 92328, telephone (760) 786-2331, before February 11,
2002. Repatriation of the human remains and associated funerary objects
to the Death Valley Timbi-Sha Shoshone Band of California may begin
after that date if no additional claimants come forward.

    Dated: November 20, 2001.
John Robbins,
Assistant Director, Cultural Resources Stewardship and Partnerships.
[FR Doc. 02-733 Filed 1-10-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-70-S