National Park Service Plans Routine Return of Native American Artifacts to Tribes
Published Date: 12/16/2025
Notice
Summary
The National Park Service at Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument plans to return a tiny ceramic vessel linked to Native American tribes. This special item was found on display by accident and will be repatriated starting January 15, 2026. This respectful move honors Native American heritage and follows important laws protecting cultural items.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Tribal Repatriation of Miniature Vessel
The Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument (SAPU) intends to return one miniature ceramic vessel (catalog SAPU 3406) that is an unassociated funerary object. SAPU determined the vessel is culturally affiliated with the Hopi Tribe; Piro-Manso-Tiwa Indian Tribe of the Pueblo of San Juan de Guadalupe; Pueblo of Acoma; Pueblo of Isleta; Pueblo of Jemez; Pueblo of Sandia; Santo Domingo Pueblo; Pueblo of Taos; Ysleta del Sur Pueblo; and the Zuni Tribe.
Repatriation Date Set January 15, 2026
SAPU states that repatriation of the cultural item may occur on or after January 15, 2026. That date is the earliest when the vessel may be transferred to an eligible requestor.
Who Can Request the Item
Any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization (including those not named in the notice) may submit a written request for repatriation by showing by a preponderance of the evidence that they are a lineal descendant or culturally affiliated. SAPU will resolve competing requests and considers joint repatriation requests as a single request.
Object Removed, Custody and Safety Notes
The vessel was found on display during a 2024 review, has been taken off display, and is in the physical custody of the National Park Service at Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument in Mountainair, New Mexico. The notice states the object is not known to have been treated with a hazardous substance.
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