[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 176 (Wednesday, September 11, 2002)]
[Notices]
[Page 57624]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-23019]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

National Park Service


Notice of Intent to Repatriate a Cultural Item in the Possession 
of the Museum of Northern Arizona, Flagstaff, AZ

AGENCY: National Park Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice.

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    Notice is hereby given in accordance with the Native American 
Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), 43 CFR 10.10 (a)(3), 
of the intent to repatriate a cultural item in the possession of the 
Museum of Northern Arizona, Flagstaff, AZ, that meets the definition of 
``sacred objects'' under Section 2 of the Act.
    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 
cultural items. The National Park Service is not responsible for the 
determinations within this notice.
    The cultural item is a ceramic jar that originally had a hide 
stretched over the open end to make a drum. The hide is possibly from a 
deer or antelope.
    The Museum of Northern Arizona acquired the drum at an unknown 
date. In 1961, the drum was located in the museum collection and 
cataloged (accession number 2254, catalog number E2375). The accession 
and catalog records indicate that the drum is of Navajo origin. In 
2002, the drum was dismantled according to traditional Navajo practice.
    Consultation with representatives of the Navajo Nation, Arizona, 
New Mexico & Utah indicate that this type of ceramic drum is used 
exclusively for the practice of the Ana'[iacute]ji (Enemy Way) 
ceremony. Specific sacred songs and prayers are associated with the 
construction and use of this type of ceramic drum. The Ana'[iacute]ji 
ceremony is performed for an individual to regain strength, harmony, 
and balance from a physical or mental illness. A specific Navajo 
traditional religious leader has indicated he needs this ceramic drum 
for the practice of the Ana'[iacute]ji ceremony by present day 
adherents.
    Based on the above-mentioned information, officials of the Museum 
of Northern Arizona have determined that, pursuant to 43 CFR 10.2 
(d)(3), this cultural item is a specific ceremonial object needed by 
traditional Native American religious leaders for the practice of 
traditional Native American religions by their present-day adherents. 
Officials of the Museum of Northern Arizona also have determined that, 
pursuant to 43 CFR 10.2 (e), there is a relationship of shared group 
identity that can be reasonably traced between this cultural item and 
the Navajo Nation, Arizona, New Mexico & Utah.
    This notice has been sent to officials of the Navajo Nation, 
Arizona, New Mexico & Utah. Representatives of any other Indian tribe 
that believes itself to be culturally affiliated with these objects 
should contact Elaine Hughes, Repatriation Coordinator, Museum of 
Northern Arizona, 3101 North Fort Valley Road, Flagstaff, AZ 86001, 
telephone (928) 774-5211, extension 228, before October 11, 2002. 
Repatriation of this cultural item to the Navajo Nation, Arizona, New 
Mexico & Utah may begin after that date if no additional claimants come 
forward.

    Dated: August 12, 2002.
Robert Stearns,
Manager, National NAGPRA Program.
[FR Doc. 02-23019 Filed 9-10-02; 8:45 am]
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