Brooklyn Museum Returns Ancient Manta Ray Effigy to Tribe
Published Date: 4/23/2026
Notice
Summary
The Brooklyn Museum plans to return a special cultural item—a carved manta ray effigy linked to the Chumash Tribe—to its rightful Native American owners starting May 26, 2026. This important step respects Native traditions and follows careful research and tribal talks. No big costs or hazards are expected, just a respectful handoff of history.
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Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Return of Chumash Manta Ray Effigy
If you are a member of the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Mission Indians, the Brooklyn Museum intends to repatriate one Chumash steatite manta ray effigy (with Olivella shell inlays) to its culturally affiliated tribe. The repatriation may occur on or after May 26, 2026, and the museum identified the item as Chumash based on museum records, scholarship, and Tribal consultation.
Who May Request Repatriation
Any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization not identified in the notice may submit a written request for the cultural item if they show by a preponderance of the evidence that they are a lineal descendant or culturally affiliated. If competing requests arrive, the Brooklyn Museum must decide the most appropriate requestor; joint repatriation requests count as a single request.
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