Federal Register #2026-08763

Inventory Completion Notice for Native American Funerary Objects at Peabody Museum

This notice announces the completion of an inventory of Native American funerary objects at the Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology, Harvard University, in partnership with the Department of the Interior and National Park Service. - Inventory covers a wide range of funerary objects: - Glass specimen jars, basket fragments, brushes, ceramic sherds, cordage, glass beads, miniature wooden canoes, organic material, stone items, mortars, pestles, textiles, faunal remains, shell, iron, copper fragments, copper cups, brass bell clappers, buttons, asphaltum fragments, quartz pendants, stone dishes, stone tools, projectile points, wood tools, and other items - Objects originate from multiple sites in Michigan and California: - Lake Superior, Santa Cruz Island, Santa Rosa Island, San Miguel Island, Castaic Cave, Dos Pueblos, Os-bi, La Patera, Santa Ynez Valley, Santa Barbara and Los Angeles Counties - Cultural affiliation established with several Indian Tribes: - Bay Mills Indian Community, Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, Hannahville Indian Community, Keweenaw Bay Indian Community, Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians, Little River Band of Ottawa Indians, Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians, Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi, Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi, Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians, Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe, Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Mission Indians - Notice outlines procedures for repatriation requests - Some objects may have been treated with hazardous substances - No OEMs or vendors are involved; this is not a procurement opportunity

Description

The Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology at Harvard University has completed an inventory of associated funerary objects in accordance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). The inventory identifies cultural affiliation between these objects and various Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations. The notice details the types of funerary objects, their origins, and the tribes affiliated. Repatriation of these objects may occur on or after June 4, 2026, with requests to be sent to the museum's director.

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