Harvard Peabody Returns Sacred Feathered God of King Kamehameha to Hawaii
Published Date: 3/27/2025
Notice
Summary
Harvard's Peabody Museum plans to return a sacred Hawaiian feathered god statue, linked to King Kamehameha, to its rightful Native Hawaiian descendant. This special repatriation can happen starting April 28, 2025, honoring Native traditions and respecting cultural heritage. No money changes hands, but this is a big step in righting history and supporting Native Hawaiian religious practices.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Museum plans return of Hawaiian feathered god
Harvard's Peabody Museum intends to repatriate one sacred object — an akua hulu manu (feathered god image) described as “the favorite war-god of Kamehameha” — to a known lineal descendant. The museum's determination identifies the item as a sacred object needed for present-day Native Hawaiian religious practice, and the repatriation may occur on or after April 28, 2025.
Who may request repatriation
Any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization not identified in the notice may send a written request for repatriation if they show by a preponderance of the evidence that they are a lineal descendant or culturally affiliated. Written requests must be sent to Deanna Byrd at the Peabody Museum (11 Divinity Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02138), telephone (617) 384-0672, or the email address listed in the notice.
Competing and joint repatriation requests rules
If competing requests for the item are received, the Peabody Museum must determine the most appropriate requestor before repatriation. Requests for joint repatriation are treated as a single request and are not considered competing requests.
No monetary exchange for repatriation
The notice states that no money changes hands as part of this repatriation, meaning the item will be returned without a purchase or payment. The action is presented as a transfer under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act procedures.
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