Berkeley Returns Hundreds of Ancient Funerary Objects to Tribes
Published Date: 4/18/2025
Notice
Summary
The University of California, Berkeley has finished checking and listing hundreds of Native American funerary objects from San Nicolas Island. These items are linked to specific Native tribes and can be returned to them starting May 19, 2025. This means tribes can soon reclaim important cultural treasures, with no costs mentioned for anyone involved.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
979 Funerary Object Lots Eligible
The University of California, Berkeley identified 979 lots of associated funerary objects removed from San Nicolas Island that are subject to repatriation. Repatriation of these objects may occur on or after May 19, 2025.
Tribes Identified as Culturally Affiliated
The notice names the La Jolla Band of Luiseno Indians; Pala Band of Mission Indians; Pauma Band of Luiseno Mission Indians of the Pauma & Yuima Reservation; Pechanga Band of Indians; Rincon Band of Luiseno Mission Indians; Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Mission Indians; and the Soboba Band of Luiseno Indians as culturally affiliated with the described objects.
Who May Request Repatriation
Repatriation requests may be submitted by any one or more of the tribes named in the notice, or by a lineal descendant or other tribe/Native Hawaiian organization that proves cultural affiliation by a preponderance of the evidence. If competing requests are received, the University of California, Berkeley must determine the most appropriate requestor; joint repatriation requests are treated as a single request.
Collections May Have Hazardous Treatments
The Phoebe A. Hearst Museum collections and storage spaces were treated with substances for preservation and pest control, and some treatments are described as potentially hazardous. The museum has not located records to indicate whether chemicals or natural substances were used prior to 1960.
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