Philly Art Museum Repatriates Sacred Girl's Dress, Tobacco Bag
Published Date: 3/19/2025
Notice
Summary
The Philadelphia Museum of Art plans to return two sacred Native American items—a girl’s dress and a tobacco bag—to the Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes starting April 17, 2025. These items are super important for traditional ceremonies and were donated without clear history. This repatriation respects Native American culture and helps keep their traditions alive.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Repatriation of Two Sacred Items
If you are a member of the Assiniboine or Sioux Tribes of the Fort Peck Indian Reservation, the Philadelphia Museum of Art intends to return two sacred objects — a girl’s dress (PMA# 2019-161-1) and a tobacco bag (PMA# 2019-161-2) — that the museum says have cultural affiliation with those Tribes. The repatriation may occur on or after April 17, 2025.
Who Can Request Repatriation
You may submit a written request for these items if you are a lineal descendant, an Indian Tribe, or a Native Hawaiian organization not named in the notice; requests must be sent to the authorized representative (Cathy Herbert, Philadelphia Museum of Art). Requestors must show by a preponderance of the evidence that they are a lineal descendant or culturally affiliated, and the museum will resolve competing requests and treats joint requests as a single request. Repatriation may occur on or after April 17, 2025.
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