[Federal Register: August 25, 2009 (Volume 74, Number 163)]
[Notices]               
[Page 42919]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr25au09-101]                         

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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

National Park Service

 
Notice of Intent to Repatriate Cultural Items: Milwaukee Public 
Museum, Milwaukee, WI

AGENCY: National Park Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice.

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    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 cultural items in the possession of the Milwaukee Public 
Museum, Milwaukee, WI, that meet the definition of ``objects of 
cultural patrimony'' 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 cultural 
items. The National Park Service is not responsible for the 
determinations in this notice.
    The four cultural items are one bird amulet (MPM T415), one pouch 
(MPM E59237/20077), one woven mat (MPM E30899/7431), and one wool bag 
(E30902/7431).
    In 1987, the bird amulet was found during an inventory. At the 
time, it lacked a catalog number. Based on similar items documented in 
museum collections, it is most likely part of a medicine, war or other 
ceremonial bundle, and was most likely separated from its bundle over 
time.
    In 1966, the pouch was found in storage. At the time, it lacked a 
catalog number. Based on similar items documented in museum 
collections, it is most likely part of a war bundle, and was most 
likely separated from its bundle over time.
    In 1922, the mat was given to the Milwaukee Public Museum in an 
exchange with the Field Museum of Natural History, Chicago, IL 
(original Field Museum number is 59088). It was collected in Oklahoma 
by anthropologist George A. Dorsey. Dr. Dorsey categorized this 
cultural item as a ``feast mat''. There is no additional information 
about the cultural item in the Field Museum records. The size and 
design of the mat indicates that it is for ritual or ceremonial use.
    In 1922, the bag was given to the Milwaukee Public Museum in an 
exchange with the Field Museum (original Field Museum number is 59233). 
It was collected in Oklahoma by Dr. Dorsey. There is no additional 
information about the cultural item in the Field Museum records. 
According to leading Osage expert John Nunley in his book, Art of the 
Osage, ``Only women who had been initiated into the clan priesthood 
wove these kinds of bags. The bags were intended to be vessels 
containing the ritual fees paid by initiates seeking advancement in the 
priesthood.''
    A determination of Osage tribal affiliation with the bird amulet 
and pouch can be made, based on geographic affiliation, type of 
material and museum documentation. A determination of Osage tribal 
affiliation with the mat and bag can also be made as the Field Museum 
records identify these types of items as Osage, and the cultural items 
in question were obtained directly from Dr. Dorsey, who collected the 
items directly from the tribe. Furthermore, based on consultation with 
tribal representatives, all the cultural items described above were and 
are of cultural importance to the Osage Nation, and could not have been 
alienated by any single individual. Based on museum records, similarity 
to other objects, and consultation evidence, the four cultural items 
are reasonably believed to be objects of cultural patrimony.
    Officials of the Milwaukee Public Museum have determined that, 
pursuant to 25 U.S.C. 3001 (3)(D), the four cultural items described 
above have ongoing historical, traditional, or cultural importance 
central to the Native American group or culture itself, rather than 
property owned by an individual. Officials of the Milwaukee Public 
Museum also have determined that, pursuant to 25 U.S.C. 3001 (2), there 
is a relationship of shared group identity that can be reasonably 
traced between the objects of cultural patrimony and the Osage Nation, 
Oklahoma.
    Representatives of any other Indian tribe that believes itself to 
be culturally affiliated with the objects of cultural patrimony should 
contact Dawn Scher Thomae, Milwaukee Public Museum, 800 W. Wells St., 
Milwaukee, WI 53233, telephone (414) 278-6157, before September 24, 
2009. Repatriation of the objects of cultural patrimony to the Osage 
Nation, Oklahoma may proceed after that date if no additional claimants 
come forward.
    The Milwaukee Public Museum is responsible for notifying the Osage 
Nation, Oklahoma that this notice has been published.

    Dated: August 12, 2009
Sherry Hutt,
Manager, National NAGPRA Program.
[FR Doc. E9-20482 Filed 8-24-09; 8:45 am]

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