Federal Register #2026-05970

Notice of Intended Repatriation of Sacred Cultural Items by Denver Art Museum

This notice announces the Denver Art Museum's intent to repatriate sacred cultural items in compliance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). - Government Buyer: - Denver Art Museum, in coordination with the Interior Department and National Park Service - Items for Repatriation: - 2 umeke laau (wood bowls) - 10 kapa (barkcloths) - 1 pahu (drum) - 2 stone tools - 1 lei hulu (feather lei) - 1 lei niho palaoa (pendant necklace) - 1 moena (mat) - Notable Details: - Items are affiliated with Native Hawaiian organizations and Indian Tribes, specifically the Hui Iwi Kuamo'o - Provenance includes acquisition from individuals, exchanges with institutions (e.g., British Museum, University of Pennsylvania Museum), and purchases from art dealers - Written requests for repatriation are accepted from affiliated tribes, Native Hawaiian organizations, or lineal descendants - If multiple requests are received, the museum will determine the most appropriate recipient - No commercial procurement is involved; this is a compliance action under federal law, not a solicitation for goods or services.

Description

The Denver Art Museum intends to repatriate 18 cultural items classified as sacred objects with cultural affiliation to certain Indian Tribes and Native Hawaiian organizations, in accordance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). These items include wood bowls, kapa cloths, a drum, stone tools, feather leis, a pendant necklace, and a mat, with provenance details dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Repatriation may occur on or after April 27, 2026, and requests for repatriation can be submitted by affiliated tribes or lineal descendants. The museum is responsible for determining the most appropriate requestor if competing claims arise.

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