[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 210 (Monday, November 1, 1999)]
[Notices]
[Page 58857]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-28290]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

National Park Service


Notice of Intent To Repatriate Cultural Items in the Possession 
of the State Historical Society of Wisconsin, Madison, WI

AGENCY: National Park Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice.

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    Notice is hereby given under the Native American Graves Protection 
and Repatriation Act, 43 CFR 10.10(a)(3), of the intent to repatriate 
cultural items in the possession of the State Historical Society of 
Wisconsin, Madison, WI which meet the definition of ``sacred object'' 
and ``object of cultural patrimony'' under Section 2 of the Act.
    The two cultural items consist of one brass kettle water drum and 
one carved gourd rattle with a wooden handle.
    In 1958, this drum and rattle were purchased by the State 
Historical Society of Wisconsin, along with other related objects, from 
Mr. Sam Blowsnake (Carley) of Linden Station, WI.
    Consultation evidence presented by representatives of the HoChunk 
Nation of Wisconsin confirms that both these cultural items are used in 
traditional peyote ceremonies of the Native American Church. 
Representatives of the HoChunk Nation have also stated that these items 
are needed by traditional religious leaders for the practice of 
traditional Native American religion by their present-day adherents. 
Representatives of the HoChunk Nation have also indicated that these 
items are owned communally and no individual had the right to sell or 
otherwise alienate these items.
    The one cultural item consists of a pipe with stem.
    In 1922, this pipe was donated to the State Historical Society of 
Wisconsin by W.J. Langdon of Sumner, WA. Associated documentation state 
that this pipe is the ``Pipe used by the Wisconsin Winnebago chief, 
Yellow Thunder (Wau-kaun-chah-zee-kah).''
    Consultation evidence presented by representatives of the HoChunk 
Nation of Wisconsin confirms that this is the Yellow Thunder pipe used 
in traditional lodge ceremonies. Representatives of the HoChunk Nation 
have also stated that this item is needed by traditional religious 
leaders for the practice of traditional Native American religion by 
their present-day adherents.
    Based on the above-mentioned information, officials of the State 
Historical Society of Wisconsin have determined that, pursuant to 43 
CFR 10.2(d)(3), these three cultural items are specific ceremonial 
objects needed by traditional Native American religious leaders for the 
practice of traditional Native American religions by their present-day 
adherents. Officials of the State Historical Society of Wisconsin have 
also determined that, pursuant to 43 CFR 10.2(d)(4), these two cultural 
items have ongoing historical, traditional, and cultural importance 
central to the tribe itself, and could not have been alienated, 
appropriated, or conveyed by any individual. Lastly, officials of the 
State Historical Society of Wisconsin have also determined that, 
pursuant to 43 CFR 10.2(e), there is a relationship of shared group 
identity which can be reasonably traced between these items and the 
HoChunk Nation of Wisconsin.
    This notice has been sent to officials of the HoChunk Nation of 
Wisconsin and the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska. Representatives of any 
other Indian tribe that believes itself to be culturally affiliated 
with these objects should contact Ms. Jennifer Kolb, Director, Museum 
Archeology Program, State Historical Society of Wisconsin, 816 State 
Street, Madison, WI 53706; telephone (608) 264-6560; e-mail: 
[email protected], before December 1, 1999. Repatriation of 
these objects to the HoChunk Nation of Wisconsin may begin after that 
date if no additional claimants come forward.

    Dated: October 21, 1999.
Francis P. McManamon,
Departmental Consulting Archeologist, Manager, Archeology and 
Ethnography Program.
[FR Doc. 99-28290 Filed 10-29-99; 8:45 am]
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