Museum Returns 100-Year-Old Sacred Basket to Cahuilla Tribe
Published Date: 12/18/2025
Notice
Summary
The Indianapolis Museum of Art, also known as Newfields, plans to return a sacred Native American basket to the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. This special basket, held since 1924, will be repatriated starting January 20, 2026. This respectful act helps honor Native traditions and strengthens cultural ties without any cost to the public.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Sacred Basket Reserved for Repatriation
The Indianapolis Museum of Art (Newfields) intends to return one sacred Native American basket to the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. The basket was donated to the museum in 1924 and is identified as a ceremonial object needed by a traditional Native American religious leader; repatriation may occur on or after January 20, 2026 and will occur without any cost to the public.
Who May Request Repatriation
Any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization may submit a written request for repatriation if they show by a preponderance of the evidence that they are a lineal descendant or culturally affiliated. If competing requests are received, the Indianapolis Museum of Art (Newfields) must decide the most appropriate requestor; joint repatriation requests are treated as a single request. Repatriation to an approved requestor may occur on or after January 20, 2026.
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