NC State Museum to Repatriate 100-Year-Old Sacred Hawaiian Cloths
Published Date: 4/9/2026
Notice
Summary
North Carolina State University's Gregg Museum is planning to return six sacred Hawaiian cultural items to Native Hawaiian groups starting May 11, 2026. These special bark cloths, some nearly 100 years old, were donated decades ago and are now being respectfully sent back. This repatriation honors Native Hawaiian traditions and shows the museum’s commitment to doing the right thing.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Six Hawaiian sacred items to be returned
North Carolina State University's Gregg Museum of Art & Design intends to repatriate six sacred Hawaiian cultural items (six mea kapu, described as kapa and bark cloth samples) and the repatriation may occur on or after May 11, 2026.
Who may request repatriation
Any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization may submit a written request for repatriation if they show by a preponderance of the evidence that they are a lineal descendant or culturally affiliated; the Gregg Museum will resolve competing requests and treats joint requests as a single request. Requests must be sent to the Gregg Museum representative at the address in the notice.
Museum determined items are sacred and affiliated
The Gregg Museum has determined that the six items are specific ceremonial sacred objects (needed by traditional Native American religious leaders for present-day practice) and that there is a reasonable cultural affiliation between the items and the organization Hui Iwi Kuamo[revaps]o.
Museum records show no hazardous substances
Gregg Museum of Art & Design records indicate no known hazardous substances on the described cultural items (including the kapa and bark cloth samples), which may be relevant for safe handling and transfer.
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