[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 2 (Friday, January 3, 2020)]
[Notices]
[Pages 340-341]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-28379]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

National Park Service

[NPS-WASO-NAGPRA-NPS0029315; PPWOCRADN0-PCU00RP14.R50000]


Notice of Intent To Repatriate Cultural Items: Thomas Burke 
Memorial Washington State Museum, University of Washington, Seattle, WA

AGENCY: National Park Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The Thomas Burke Memorial Washington State Museum (Burke 
Museum), in consultation with the appropriate Indian Tribes or Native 
Hawaiian organizations, has determined that the cultural item listed in 
this notice meets the definition of a sacred object. Lineal descendants 
or representatives of any Indian Tribe or Native Hawaiian organization 
not identified in this notice that wish to claim this cultural item 
should submit a written request to the Burke Museum. If no additional 
claimants come forward, transfer of control of the cultural item 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 
claim this cultural item should submit a written request with 
information in support of the claim to the Burke Museum at the address 
in this notice by February 3, 2020.

ADDRESSES: Holly Barker, Curator for Oceanic and Asian Culture, Burke 
Museum, University of Washington, Box 353010, Seattle, WA 98195, 
telephone (206) 616-6891, 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. 3005, of the intent to repatriate a cultural item under the 
control of the Thomas Burke Memorial Washington State Museum, 
University of Washington, Seattle, WA, that meets the

[[Page 341]]

definition of a sacred object under 25 U.S.C. 3001.
    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 
museum, institution, or Federal agency that has control of the Native 
American cultural item. The National Park Service is not responsible 
for the determinations in this notice.

History and Description of the Cultural Item

    In 1997, one cultural item was brought to the Burke Museum by Rocky 
Ka'iouliokahihikolo'Ehu Jensen. This cultural item is a Lama wood 
sculptural carving of Laka, the founder of the discipline of Hula.
    Information provided during consultation between the Burke Museum 
and N[amacr] Lei O Manu'akepa representatives confirmed that the Laka 
sculpture is a necessary component which holds a very important role in 
the sacred Kuahu Ceremony of traditional Hula practitioners. The 
sculpture is seen as a manifestation of the Hula patron, Laka, to which 
traditional Hula practitioners conduct ceremonies and rituals with 
offerings for inspiration, guidance and protection in their present day 
cultural work and practices.

Determinations Made by the Thomas Burke Memorial Washington State 
Museum

    Officials of the Thomas Burke Memorial Washington State Museum have 
determined that:
     Pursuant to 25 U.S.C. 3001(3)(C), the one cultural item 
described above is a specific ceremonial object needed by traditional 
Native American religious leaders for the practice of traditional 
Native American Hawaiian religions by their present-day adherents.
     Pursuant to 25 U.S.C. 3001(2), there is a relationship of 
shared group identity that can be reasonably traced between the sacred 
object and N[amacr] Lei O Manu'akepa, a Native Hawaiian organization.

Additional Requestors and Disposition

    Lineal descendants or representatives of any Indian Tribe or Native 
Hawaiian organization not identified in this notice that wish to claim 
these cultural items should submit a written request with information 
in support of the claim to Holly Barker, Curator for Oceanic and Asian 
Culture, Burke Museum, University of Washington, Box 353010, Seattle, 
WA 98195, telephone (206) 616-6891, email [email protected], by February 
3, 2020. After that date, if no additional claimants have come forward, 
transfer of control of the sacred object to N[amacr] Lei O Manu'akepa, 
a Native Hawaiian organization, may proceed.
    The Thomas Burke Memorial Washington State Museum is responsible 
for notifying N[amacr] Lei O Manu'akepa that this notice has been 
published.

    Dated: November 14, 2019.
Melanie O'Brien,
Manager, National NAGPRA Program.
[FR Doc. 2019-28379 Filed 1-2-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4312-52-P