[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 188 (Wednesday, September 27, 2000)]
[Notices]
[Page 58103]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-24794]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

National Park Service


Notice of Inventory Completion for Native American Human Remains 
and Associated Funerary Objects in the Possession of the Putnam Museum 
of History and Natural Science, Davenport, IA

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), 43 CFR 10.9, 
of the completion of an inventory of human remains and associated 
funerary objects in the possession of the Putnam Museum of History and 
Natural Science, Davenport, IA.
    This notice is published as part of the National Park Service's 
administrative responsibilities under NAGPRA, 43 CFR 10.2 (c). The 
determinations within this notice are the sole responsibility of the 
museum, institution, or Federal agency that has control of these Native 
American human remains and associated funerary objects. The National 
Park Service is not responsible for the determinations within this 
notice.
    A detailed assessment of the human remains was made by Putnam 
Museum of History and Natural Science professional staff in 
consultation with representatives of the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of 
Louisiana and the Louisiana Office of Cultural Development.
    In 1885, human remains representing 2 individuals and 17 associated 
funerary objects were removed from the Trudeau Site (16WF25) and 
donated to the Putnam Museum of History and Natural Science (then the 
Davenport Academy of Natural Science), Davenport, IA by W. P. Hall. The 
Trudeau Site is located in West Feliciana Parish, LA. No known 
individuals were identified. Associated funerary objects consisted of 
copper trap wire bracelets, copper kettle fragments, a necklace, and a 
ceramic plate.
    Historical and oral history sources identify the Trudeau site as a 
Tunica-Biloxi settlement, occupied circa A.D. 1731-1764. The presence 
of Euroamerican funerary objects dating to the mid-1800's confirms the 
use of a mortuary area at the site during this time period. On the 
basis of archeological, historical, and oral history information these 
human remains and funerary objects are determined to be culturally 
affiliated with the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana. There is no 
evidence to indicate otherwise.
    Based on the above-mentioned information, officials of the Putnam 
Museum of History and Natural Science 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 Putnam Museum of History and Natural Science also have 
determined that, pursuant to 43 CFR 10.2 (d)(2), the 17 associated 
funerary 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 
Putnam Museum of History and Natural Science have determined that, 
pursuant to 43 CFR 10.2 (e), there is a relationship of shared group 
identity that can be reasonably traced between these Native American 
human remains and associated funerary objects and the Tunica-Biloxi 
Tribe of Louisiana.
    This notice has been sent to officials of the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe 
of Louisiana. Representatives of any other Indian tribe that believes 
itself to be culturally affiliated with these human remains and 
associated funerary objects should contact Janice Hall, Chief Curator, 
Putnam Museum of History and Natural Science, 1717 West 12th Street, 
Davenport, IA 52804, telephone (319) 324-1933, before October 27, 2000. 
Repatriation of the human remains and associated funerary objects to 
the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana may begin after that date if no 
additional claimants come forward.

    Dated: September 21, 2000.
John Robbins,
Assistant Director, Cultural Resources Stewardship and Partnerships.
[FR Doc. 00-24794 Filed 9-26-00; 8:45 am]
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