[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 46 (Monday, March 10, 1997)] [Notices] [Page 10878] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 97-5781] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Notice of Inventory Completion for Native American Human Remains and Associated Funerary Objects From Chautauqua and Onondaga Counties, NY, in the Possession of the Springfield Science Museum, Springfield, MA 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), 25 U.S.C. 3003 (d), of the completion of an inventory of human remains and associated funerary objects in the possession 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 Onondaga Nation, the Seneca Nation of Indians, and the Tonawanda Band of Senecas. In 1925, human remains representing two individuals were donated to the Springfield Science Museum by Mr. J.T. Bowne. No known individuals were identified. The approximately 165 associated funerary objects include mammal bone implements, stone implements; stone pendants; coral fossils; red ochre; a brass triangular point; a metal ax; glass beads; shells and shell beads; charred corn and beans; pottery; a red paint stick; and sheet brass. In 1907, Mr. J.T. Bowne purchased these human remains and associated funerary objects from M.R. Harrington, who obtained these remains from the Silverheels Site and the Page Jimmerson Site, in Chautauqua County, NY. These two sites, Silverheels Site and the Page Jimmerson Site were all used as cemetery areas between the late precontact period into the mid-nineteenth century. The associated funerary objects and manner of internments indicate a continuity of occupation throughout this period consistent with known traditional Iroquoian practices. Consultation evidence presented by the Seneca Nation indicates these associated funerary objects and burial practices are identical to Iroquoian, specifically Seneca, traditional practices. 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 165 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 Seneca Nation of Indians. In 1861, human remains representing one individual was donated to the Springfield Science Museum by Mr. H.O. Marcy. No known individual was identified. No associated funerary objects are present. H.O. Marcy removed these human remains from the ``Fort Lot Site'', Onondaga County, NY. Consultation evidence presented by the Onondaga Nation and the Haudenosunee Standing Committee on Burial Rules and Regulations indicates that this site is likely one of several early Onondaga historic villages in Onondaga County, NY which dated from the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. These historic villages are often referred to as ``forts'' or ``lots'' in nineteenth century historical documents. 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 one individual of Native American ancestry. Officials of the Springfield Science Museum 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 Native American human remains and associated funerary objects and the Onondaga Nation. This notice has been sent to officials of the Haudenosaunee Standing Committee on Burial Rules and Regulations, the Onondaga Nation, the Seneca-Cayuga Tribe of Oklahoma, the Seneca Nation of Indians, and the Tonawanda Band of Senecas. 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 Museums, 236 State Street, Springfield, MA 01103; telephone: (413) 263-6800, before April 7, 1997. Repatriation of the human remains and associated funerary objects to the Seneca Nation of Indians and the Onondaga Nation may begin after that date if no additional claimants come forward. Dated: February 24, 1997. Francis P. McManamon, Departmental Consulting Archeologist, Manager, Archeology and Ethnography Program. [FR Doc. 97-5781 Filed 3-7-97; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-70-P