[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 105 (Wednesday, June 1, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 35044-35047]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-12748]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

National Park Service

[NPS-WASO-NAGPRA-21131; PPWOCRADN0-PCU00RP14.R50000]


Notice of Inventory Completion: U.S. Department of the Interior, 
National Park Service, Canyon de Chelly National Monument, Chinle, AZ

AGENCY: National Park Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, 
Canyon de Chelly National Monument has completed an inventory of human 
remains and associated funerary objects, in consultation with the 
appropriate Indian tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations, and has 
determined that there is a cultural affiliation between the human 
remains and associated funerary objects and present-day Indian tribes 
or Native Hawaiian organizations. Lineal descendants or representatives 
of any Indian tribe or Native Hawaiian organization not identified in 
this notice that wish to request transfer of control of these human 
remains and associated funerary objects should submit a written request 
to Canyon de Chelly National Monument. If no additional requestors come 
forward, transfer of control of the human remains and associated 
funerary objects to the lineal descendants, Indian tribes, or Native 
Hawaiian organizations stated in this notice may proceed.

DATES: Lineal descendants or representatives of any Indian tribe or 
Native Hawaiian organization not identified in this notice that wish to 
request transfer of control of these human remains and associated 
funerary objects should submit a written request with information in 
support of the request to Canyon de Chelly National Monument at the 
address in this notice by July 1, 2016.

ADDRESSES: Lyn Carranza, Superintendent, Canyon de Chelly National 
Monument, P.O. Box 588, Chinle, AZ 86503, telephone (928) 674-5500 ext. 
224, email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Notice is here given in accordance with the 
Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), 25 
U.S.C. 3003, of the completion of an inventory of human remains and 
associated funerary objects under the control of the U.S. Department of 
the Interior, National Park Service, Canyon de Chelly National 
Monument, Chinle, AZ. The human remains and associated funerary objects 
were removed from sites in Apache County, AZ.
    This notice is published as part of the National Park Service's 
administrative responsibilities under NAGPRA, 25 U.S.C. 3003(d)(3). The 
determinations in this notice are the sole responsibility of the 
Superintendent, Canyon de Chelly National Monument.

Consultation

    A detailed assessment of the human remains was made by Canyon de 
Chelly National Monument professional staff in consultation with 
representatives of the Apache Tribe of Oklahoma; Fort McDowell Yavapai 
Nation, Arizona; Fort Sill Apache Tribe of Oklahoma; Hopi Tribe of 
Arizona; Jicarilla Apache Nation, New Mexico; Kaibab Band of Paiute 
Indians of the Kaibab Indian Reservation, Arizona; Mescalero Apache 
Tribe of the Mescalero Reservation, New Mexico; Navajo Nation, Arizona, 
New Mexico & Utah; Pueblo of Acoma, New Mexico; Pueblo of Jemez, New 
Mexico; Pueblo of Laguna, New Mexico; Pueblo of Nambe, New Mexico; 
Pueblo of Pojoaque, New Mexico; Pueblo of San Ildefonso, New Mexico; 
Pueblo of Santa Ana, New Mexico; Pueblo of Santa Clara, New Mexico; 
Pueblo of Taos, New Mexico; Pueblo of Tesuque, New Mexico; San Carlos 
Apache Tribe of the San Carlos Reservation, Arizona; Southern Ute 
Indian Tribe of the Southern Ute Reservation, Colorado; Ute Mountain 
Ute Tribe (previously listed as the Ute Mountain Tribe of the Ute 
Mountain Reservation, Colorado, New Mexico & Utah); White Mountain 
Apache Tribe of the Fort Apache Reservation, Arizona; Yavapai-Apache 
Nation of the Camp Verde Indian Reservation, Arizona; and Zuni Tribe of 
the Zuni Reservation, New Mexico (hereafter referred to as ``The 
Consulted Tribes'').
    The following tribes were invited to consult but did not 
participate in the face-to-face consultation meeting: Kewa Pueblo, New 
Mexico (previously listed as the Pueblo of Santo Domingo); Ohkay 
Owingeh, New Mexico (previously listed as the Pueblo of San Juan); 
Pueblo of Cochiti, New Mexico; Pueblo of Isleta, New Mexico; Pueblo of 
Picuris, New Mexico; Pueblo of San Felipe, New Mexico; Pueblo of 
Sandia, New Mexico; Pueblo of Zia, New Mexico (hereafter referred to as 
``The Invited Tribes'').

History and Description of the Remains

    Canyon de Chelly National Monument was established in 1931 on lands 
that were then, and continue to be, held in trust by the United States 
for the Navajo Nation, Arizona, New Mexico & Utah. Removal of human 
remains and associated funerary objects from lands within the monument 
boundary after October 31, 1979, was done with the prior consent of the 
Navajo Nation, Arizona, New Mexico & Utah, as required by the 
Archaeological Resources Protection Act.
    At an unknown date, human remains representing, at minimum, one 
individual were removed from Big Cave in Apache County, AZ, by David 
DeHarport working on behalf of the Museum of Northern Arizona. No known 
individuals were identified. No associated funerary objects are 
present.
    Between 1924 and 1970, human remains representing, at minimum, 
three individuals were removed from Big Cave in Apache County, AZ, by 
unknown persons. No known individuals were identified. No associated 
funerary objects are present.

[[Page 35045]]

    Before 1960, human remains representing, at minimum, one individual 
were removed from Big Cave in Apache County, AZ. No known individuals 
were identified. The one associated funerary object is a projectile 
point with shaft.
    Big Cave is a large alcove with an expansive overhang that protects 
habitation, ceremonial, and storage facilities representing multiple 
occupations. Overlain by later Puebloan and historic Navajo components, 
the Basketmaker component represents the earliest occupation. Later 
Puebloan components include small villages with multistory structures, 
small courtyards, and public architecture. Rock art from early 
Basketmaker through historic Navajo is located across the back of the 
alcove.
    At an unknown date, human remains representing, at minimum, three 
individuals were removed from Battle Cove in Apache County, AZ, by 
David DeHarport from Harvard University. No known individuals were 
identified. No associated funerary objects are present.
    Prior to 1966, human remains representing, at minimum, one 
individual were removed from Battle Cove in Apache County, AZ. No known 
individuals were identified. The 14 associated funerary objects are 12 
cordage pieces and 2 textile fragments.
    From 1970 to 1973, human remains representing, at minimum, four 
individuals were removed from Battle Cove in Apache County, AZ, during 
an authorized National Park Service excavation. No known individuals 
were identified. No associated funerary objects are present.
    Ceramics, rock art elements, burials, and architecture indicate 
that Battle Cove was occupied during Basketmaker III (A.D. 400-750) and 
Pueblo II-Pueblo III (A.D. 900-1300). Historic site components dating 
from the 18th through 20th centuries include rock art imagery and 
cultural refuse.
    In 1903, human remains representing, at minimum, three individuals 
were removed from unknown cliff dwellings, in Apache County, AZ, by 
Charles and Samuel Day. In 1906, the Days sold a large collection of 
archeological materials to Stewart Culin of the Brooklyn Museum. Later 
de-accessioned by the Brooklyn Museum, the human remains were rescued 
by Dick Gould of the American Museum of Natural History and then given 
to William Lipe of the State University of New York-Binghampton. 
Finally, the human remains were gifted to Canyon de Chelly National 
Monument. No known individuals were identified. No associated funerary 
objects are present.
    Between 1938 and 1973, human remains representing, at minimum, one 
individual were removed from Massacre Cave in Apache County, AZ, under 
unknown circumstances. No known individuals were identified. No 
associated funerary objects are present.
    Architecture, ceramics, and rock art imagery suggest that Massacre 
Cave was utilized at various times from Basketmaker III to Pueblo I 
(A.D. 400-900) and again during historic times.
    In 1946, human remains representing, at minimum, one individual 
were removed from Standing Cow in Apache County, AZ, by the National 
Park Service. No known individuals were identified. The 12 associated 
funerary objects are 1 blanket and 11 basketry fragments.
    In 1951, human remains representing, at minimum, one individual 
were removed from Standing Cow in Apache County, AZ, by David DeHarport 
of Harvard University. No known individuals were identified. No 
associated funerary objects are present.
    In 1955, human remains representing, at minimum, three individuals 
were removed from Standing Cow in Apache County, AZ, by the National 
Park Service. No known individuals were identified. The 78 associated 
funerary objects are 1 burden basket, 1 jar, 1 basketry bowl, 12 
cordage fragments, 41 pieces of unworked plant material, 1 scraper, 1 
soil sample, 3 corncobs, 1 unworked piece of wood, 1 flake, 13 unworked 
reed fragments, and 2 sherds.
    Standing Cow dates to as early as Basketmaker III (A.D. 400-750) 
and to as late as Pueblo III (A.D. 1100-1300) prehistorically. Historic 
site components dating from the 19th through 20th centuries include 
rock art imagery, architecture, and refuse.
    In 1947, human remains representing, at minimum, one individual 
were removed from Tse-Ta'a in Apache County, AZ, by David DeHarport of 
Harvard University. No known individuals were identified. No associated 
funerary objects are present.
    From 1949 to 1950, human remains representing, at minimum, 22 
individuals were removed from Tse-Ta'a in Apache County, AZ, during 
emergency excavations sponsored by the National Park Service. No known 
individuals were identified. The 224 associated funerary objects are 3 
jars, 4 pitchers, 3 ladles, 4 bowls, 2 flakes, 1 awl, and 207 sherds.
    In 1987, human remains representing, at minimum, one individual 
were removed from Tse-Ta'a in Apache County, AZ, by the National Park 
Service. No known individuals were identified. No associated funerary 
objects are present.
    Ceramics, textiles, and architecture indicate that Tse-Ta'a 
contains Pueblo I (A.D. 750-900), late Pueblo II to early Pueblo III 
(A.D. 1000-1150), and Pueblo IV (A.D. 1300-1600) components.
    From 1948 to 1951, human remains representing, at minimum, one 
individual were removed from an unnamed site (CC-84) in Apache County, 
AZ, by David DeHarport from Harvard University. No known individuals 
were identified. No associated funerary objects are present.
    The site's petroglyphs and ceramic assemblage date the occupation 
of CC-84 to Pueblo II (A.D. 900-1100).
    From 1948 to 1951, human remains representing, at minimum, one 
individual were removed from an unnamed site (CC-268) in Apache County, 
AZ, by David DeHarport from Harvard University. No known individuals 
were identified. No associated funerary objects are present.
    Prior to 1960, human remains representing, at minimum, one 
individual were removed from an unnamed site (CC-268) in Apache County, 
AZ, under unknown circumstances. No known individuals were identified. 
No associated funerary objects are present.
    The site's ceramic assemblage dates the occupation of CC-268 to 
Pueblo I (A.D. 750-900) and Pueblo III (A.D. 1100-1300).
    In 1954, human remains representing, at minimum, one individual 
were removed from Antelope House in Apache County, AZ, during 
excavation for a post hole. No known individuals were identified. The 
104 associated funerary objects are 1 slab, 4 bound sticks, 81 sticks, 
1 corncob, 6 cordage fragments, and 11 basketry fragments. Most of the 
objects appear to have been part of a cradleboard.
    From 1970 to 1973, human remains representing, at minimum, 188 
individuals were removed from Antelope House in Apache County, AZ, 
during an authorized National Park Service excavation. No known 
individuals were identified. The 811 associated funerary objects are 6 
bowls, 5 pieces of worked wood, 24 sherds, 248 pieces of cordage, 1 
chain, 1 sandal, 10 bundles, 4 cactus plants, 2 hair bundles, 70 beads, 
5 ladles, 2 plant artifacts, 4 fragments of basketry, 1 projectile 
point, 2 sticks, 1 wood artifact, 2 fragments of worked hair, 2 
basketry bowls, 3 mats, 1 matting, 3 pieces of unworked wood, 1 
miniature jar, 4 blankets, 1 whistle, 1 figurine, 3 pitchers, 3 jars, 1 
flake, 19 knots, 6 ties, 1 burden basket, 1 fragment of leather/hide, 1 
brush, 16

[[Page 35046]]

pieces of plant material, 2 tumplines, 1 basket, 1 pot rest, 2 digging 
sticks, 1 miniature vessel, 1 cordage artifact, 1 necklace, 1 bracelet, 
1 cylinder, 1 cradleboard, 1 cradleboard hood, 77 pieces of 
architectural wood, 4 grass plants, 3 textiles, 1 cup, and 258 gourd/
squash seeds.
    Architecture, ceramics, and dendrochronology indicate that Antelope 
House was occupied from Basketmaker III (A.D. 400-750) through Pueblo 
III (A.D. 1100-1300).
    In 1957, human remains representing, at minimum, one individual 
were removed from an unnamed site (CC-55) in Apache County, AZ, by 
David DeHarport from Harvard University. No known individuals were 
identified. The one associated funerary object is a miniature vessel.
    Slab-lined architecture and pictographs date CC-55 to Basketmaker 
II (A.D. 1-400). The vessel and burial are likely intrusive and 
representative of a later pueblo phase.
    Between 1959 and 1972, human remains representing, at minimum, one 
individual were removed from White House in Apache County, AZ, by the 
Museum of Northern Arizona. No known individuals were identified. No 
associated funerary objects are present.
    In 1962, human remains representing, at minimum, seven individuals 
were removed from Mummy Cave in Apache County, AZ, by the National Park 
Service. No known individuals were identified. The eight funerary 
objects are five textiles and three cordage fragments.
    Prior to 1967, human remains representing, at minimum, one 
individual were removed from Mummy Cave in Apache County, AZ, under 
unknown circumstances. No known individuals were identified. No 
associated funerary objects are present.
    In 1987, human remains representing, at minimum, seven individuals 
were removed from Mummy Cave in Apache County, AZ, by the National Park 
Service. No known individuals were identified. No associated funerary 
objects are present.
    Architectural remnants, ceramics, rock art, and dendrochronology 
indicate Mummy Cave was occupied from Basketmaker II (A.D. 1-400) 
through Pueblo III (A.D. 1100-1300).
    Prior to 1964, human remains representing, at minimum, one 
individual were removed from an unknown site in Apache County, AZ, 
under unknown circumstances. No known individuals were identified. The 
one associated funerary object is a fragment of feather wrapped 
cordage.
    In 1969, human remains representing, at minimum, 11 individuals 
were removed from an unnamed site in Apache County, AZ, during salvage 
excavations by the National Park Service conducted in advance of a 
proposed relocation of the Spider Rock overlook road. No known 
individuals were identified. The 12 associated funerary objects are 1 
jar, 1 ladle, 2 pitchers, and 8 ceramic sherds.
    Architecture and ceramics indicate that the unnamed site was 
occupied during Pueblo II-Pueblo III (A.D. 900-1300).
    In 1971, human remains representing, at minimum, six individuals 
were removed from Ute Raid Pueblo in Apache County, AZ, by the National 
Park Service. No known individuals were identified. The 24 associated 
funerary objects are 23 sherds and 1 clothing fragment.
    Architecture, rock art imagery, and ceramics date the occupation 
and use of Ute Raid Pueblo to Pueblo I (A.D. 750-900) through Pueblo 
III (A.D. 1100-1300). An historic component consists primarily of a 
charcoal drawing panel that depicts a Ute raid.
    In 1984, human remains representing, at minimum, one individual 
were removed from Sleeping Duck in Apache County, AZ, by the National 
Park Service. No known individuals were identified. No associated 
funerary objects are present.
    Architecture, ceramics, and rock art imagery date Sleeping Duck to 
Basketmaker III to Pueblo II (A.D. 400-1100). A 19th century historic 
component is present as well.
    In 1987, human remains representing, at minimum, one individual 
were removed from Dead Horse in Apache County, AZ, by the National Park 
Service. No known individuals were identified. No associated funerary 
objects are present.
    Architecture and ceramics date the primary occupation at Dead Horse 
to late Pueblo I to early Pueblo II (A.D. 850-950).
    In 1987, human remains representing, at minimum, four individuals 
were removed from Black Shirt Cave in Apache County, AZ, by the 
National Park Service. No known individuals were identified. The one 
associated funerary object is a soil sample.
    Architectural remnants, rock art, and burial features indicate that 
Black Shirt Cave was inhabited during Basketmaker II-III (A.D. 1-750) 
and used as a mortuary site historically (post 1863). The remains were 
recovered from surface material rather than historic rock cairns so 
they likely date to Basketmaker II-III.
    The individuals and associated funerary objects described above 
represent an earlier identifiable group that archeologists generally 
refer to as the Ancestral Puebloan or Anasazi. This classification is 
based in observed material culture and geographic context. More 
specifically, the individuals were recognized as Ancestral Puebloan or 
Anasazi through their funerary clothing and offerings, mortuary context 
and setting, and/or overall site context. Shared group identity can be 
reasonably traced between the identifiable earlier group and several 
present-day tribes.
    Evidence demonstrating continuity between the Ancestral Puebloan 
people of Canyon de Chelly and the Hopi Tribe of Arizona, includes 
similarities in material culture and mortuary practices. Oral 
tradition, historic accounts, geographical proximity, anthropological 
data, and expert opinion also support this shared group identity. Hopi 
oral tradition, historic accounts, and ethnographic studies reference 
Hopi clan-specific migrations through Canyon de Chelly.
    Evidence demonstrating continuity between the Ancestral Puebloan 
people of Canyon de Chelly and the Navajo Nation of Arizona, New 
Mexico, & Utah includes geographical proximity, kinship, 
anthropological data, oral tradition, historical accounts, and expert 
opinion. Ethnographic studies and oral tradition describe the Navajo 
ethnogenesis as an accretion and assimilation of various ethnic groups 
including Anasazi and Puebloan peoples from Canyon de Chelly.
    Evidence demonstrating continuity between the Ancestral Puebloan 
people of Canyon de Chelly and the Zuni Tribe of the Zuni Reservation, 
New Mexico, includes similarities in material culture and mortuary 
practices. Oral tradition, historic accounts, geographical proximity, 
and anthropological data also support this shared group identity.

Determinations Made by Canyon de Chelly National Monument

    Officials of Canyon de Chelly National Monument have determined 
that:
     Pursuant to 25 U.S.C. 3001(9), the human remains described 
in this notice represent the physical remains of 279 individuals of 
Native American ancestry.
     Pursuant to 25 U.S.C. 3001(3)(A), the 1,291 objects 
described in this notice 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.

[[Page 35047]]

     Pursuant to 25 U.S.C. 3001(2), there is a relationship of 
shared group identity that can be reasonably traced between the Native 
American human remains and associated funerary objects and the Hopi 
Tribe of Arizona; Navajo Nation, Arizona, New Mexico, & Utah; and Zuni 
Tribe of the Zuni Reservation, New Mexico.

Additional Requestors and Disposition

    Lineal descendants or representatives of any Indian tribe or Native 
Hawaiian organization not identified in this notice that wish to 
request transfer of control of these human remains and associated 
funerary objects should submit a written request with information in 
support of the request to Lyn Carranza, Superintendent, Canyon de 
Chelly National Monument, P.O. Box 588, Chinle, AZ 86503, telephone 
(928) 674-5500 ext. 224, email [email protected], by July 1, 2016. 
After that date, if no additional requestors have come forward, 
transfer of control of the human remains and associated funerary 
objects to the Hopi Tribe of Arizona; Navajo Nation, Arizona, New 
Mexico, & Utah; and Zuni Tribe of the Zuni Reservation, New Mexico may 
proceed.
    Canyon de Chelly National Monument is responsible for notifying The 
Consulted Tribes and The Invited Tribes that this notice has been 
published.

    Dated: May 20, 2016.
Melanie O'Brien,
Manager, National NAGPRA Program.
[FR Doc. 2016-12748 Filed 5-31-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4312-50-P