NY Museum Warns of Pesticides on Returning Sacred Vessel
Published Date: 4/23/2026
Notice
Summary
The American Museum of Natural History plans to return a special ceramic vessel to Native American tribes connected to it, starting May 26, 2026. This vessel was originally found in California and has a deep cultural meaning. While handling it, people should be careful because of past pesticide use on museum items, but no money changes hands in this respectful return.
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Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Ceramic Vessel Returned to Tribe
The American Museum of Natural History intends to repatriate one unassociated funerary object — a ceramic vessel removed from the Coachella Valley, Riverside County, California — to a culturally affiliated group. The museum states there is a connection to the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians of the Agua Caliente Reservation, California, and repatriation may occur on or after May 26, 2026.
Opportunity for Other Claimants to Request Item
Any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization not identified in the notice may submit a written request for repatriation showing, by a preponderance of the evidence, that they are culturally affiliated. The museum will accept requests sent to the authorized representative and must resolve competing requests before repatriation.
Safety Advisory for Handlers Due to Past Pesticides
The museum notes that in the past it applied potentially hazardous pesticides to collection items and records do not identify which objects were treated. People handling this vessel should follow advice from industrial hygienists or medical personnel with training in occupational health or hazardous substances.
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