[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 74 (Tuesday, April 16, 1996)]
[Notices]
[Page 16643]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-9366]



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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Notice of Inventory Completion for Native American Human Remains 
and Associated Funerary Objects in the Possession of the Springfield 
Science Museum, Springfield, MA

AGENCY: National Park Service

ACTION: Notice

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    Notice is hereby given in accordance with provisions of the Native 
American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), 25 U.S.C. 
3003(d), of the completion of an inventory of human remains and 
associated funerary objects in the control of the Springfield Science 
Museum, Springfield, MA.
    A detailed assessment of the human remains was made by Springfield 
Science Museum professional staff in consultation with representatives 
of the Santa Ynez Band of Mission Indians. The Esselen Nation and the 
Ti'at Society/Traditional Council of Pimu, two non-Federally recognized 
Native American groups, were also consulted regarding these human 
remains.
    In 1925, human remains representing two individuals were donated to 
the Springfield Science Museum by Mr. Jacob T. Bowne. No known 
individuals were identified. The approximately 200 associated funerary 
objects include fish, mammal, and bird bones; shell beads; stone 
implements; stone pendants; birdbone whistles; and a lead bullet.
    In 1908 and 1909, Jacob T. Bowne collected these human remains and 
associated funerary objects from Contra Cos (Emeryville Shell Mound), 
Santa Rosa Island, Santa Cruz Island, San Miguel Island, and Goleta in 
Santa Barbara County, CA. These sites were used as burial/funerary 
areas between the late precontact period to the mid-nineteenth century, 
and indicate continuity of funerary practice, tools, types of 
ornamentation, and funerary objects throughout this period. 
Consultation evidence presented by the Santa Ynez Band of Mission 
Indians indicates these burial practices, tool manufacture, and types 
of ornamentation and funerary objects are identical to known Chumash 
traditional practices into the contact period. Artifactual evidence 
does not allow specific identification of a single culturally 
affiliated Indian tribe. However, examination of cultural materials 
(e.g., stone tools, funerary practice, and ornaments) and oral history 
regarding traditional and religious practice indicate probable cultural 
affiliation between the human remains and various Chumash Indian 
groups. Other Chumash peoples in addition to the Santa Ynez Band of 
Mission Indians may also be culturally affiliated with these human 
remains.
    Based on the above mentioned information, officials of the 
Springfield Science Museum 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 Springfield Science Museum have also determined that, pursuant to 
25 U.S.C. 3001 (3)(A), the approximately 200 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 Springfield Science Museum have 
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 Native American human remains and associated funerary 
objects and the Santa Ynez Band of Mission Indians.
    This notice has been sent to officials of the Santa Ynez Band of 
Mission Indians and Native American groups the Esselen Nation, and the 
Ti'at Society/Traditional Council of Pimu. Representatives of any other 
Indian tribe that believes itself to be culturally affiliated with 
these human remains and associated funerary objects should contact John 
Pretola, Curator of Anthropology, Springfield Science Museum, 236 State 
Street, Springfield, MA 01103; telephone: (413) 263-6875, ext. 320, 
before May 16, 1996. Repatriation of the human remains and associated 
funerary objects to the Santa Ynez Band of Mission Indians may begin 
after that date if no additional claimants come forward.

    Dated: April 10, 1996.
C. Timothy McKeown,
Acting Departmental Consulting Archeologist, Archeology & Ethnography 
Program.
[FR Doc. 96-9366 Filed 4-15-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-70-F