[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 41 (Wednesday, March 1, 2000)]
[Notices]
[Pages 11076-11077]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-4828]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

National Park Service


Notice of Intent to Repatriate Cultural Items in the Possession 
of the Heard Museum, Phoenix, AZ

AGENCY: National Park Service.

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 Heard Museum, Phoenix, AZ which 
meets the definition of ``sacred object'' under Section 2 of the Act.
    The cultural items consist of two rattles and four paddles. The 
first rattle is made of leather, bamboo, porcupine quills and fur. The 
second rattle is made of leather, cotton string, fur, and feathers. The 
four paddles are painted wood.
    In 1973, the first rattle was donated to the Heard Museum by Dr. 
and Mrs. Byron Butler; and the rattle was collected at an unknown date 
in an unknown location. In 1974, the second rattle was donated to the 
Heard Museum by Woodard's Indian Arts; and the rattle was collected at 
an unknown date in an unknown location. In 1983, the four paddles were 
donated to the Heard Museum by Mr. and Mrs. Byron Harvey III; and these 
paddles were collected at an unknown date in an unknown location.
    Consultation evidence presented by representatives of the Navajo 
Nation indicates that these rattles and paddles are used in a number of 
ceremonies including the Male Shooting Way Chant. Consultation further 
indicates these six cultural items are specific ceremonial objects 
needed by traditional Navajo medicine men for the practice of 
traditional Navajo ceremonies.
    Based on the above-mentioned information, officials of the Heard 
Museum have determined that, pursuant to 43 CFR 10.2(d)(3), these six 
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 Heard Museum 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 Navajo Nation.
    This notice has been sent to officials of the Navajo Nation. 
Representatives of any other Indian tribe that believes itself to be 
culturally affiliated with these objects should contact Gloria 
Lomahaftewa, Assistant to the Director for Native American Relations, 
Heard Museum, 2301 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85004-1480; telephone: 
(602) 252-8840 before March 31, 2000. Repatriation of these objects to 
the Navajo Nation may begin after that date if no additional claimants 
come forward.


[[Page 11077]]


    Dated: February 9, 2000.
Francis P. McManamon,
Departmental Consulting Archeologist, Manager, Archeology and 
Ethnography Program.
[FR Doc. 00-4828 Filed 2-29-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-70-F