Denver Museum to Repatriate Native American Cultural Items
Published Date: 12/16/2025
Notice
Summary
The University of Denver Museum of Anthropology plans to return four important Native American cultural items to their rightful tribes starting January 15, 2026. These include two sacred basketry pieces and two special ceramic bowls that hold deep cultural meaning. This respectful move helps honor Native traditions and strengthens connections between the museum and Native communities.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Museum to Return Four Native Items
The University of Denver Museum of Anthropology intends to repatriate four cultural items on or after January 15, 2026. The four items are two sacred basketry pieces (DU ID# 2019.6.14 and 2019.6.19) and two ceramic bowls identified as objects of cultural patrimony (DU ID# 2017.1.22 and 2017.1.25).
Who May Request Repatriation
Any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization (including those not named in the notice) may send a written request for repatriation and must show by a preponderance of the evidence that they are a lineal descendant or culturally affiliated. Requests must be sent to the authorized representative listed in the notice and repatriation may occur on or after January 15, 2026.
Museum Determines Cultural Affiliation
The University of Denver Museum of Anthropology has determined the items are sacred objects or objects of cultural patrimony and found a reasonable connection to the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community of the Salt River Reservation, Arizona. Those determinations underpin the intended repatriation described in this notice.
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