Museum Hands Back One Artifact to Native Owners—Nothing Fancy
Published Date: 12/19/2025
Notice
Summary
The Museum of Riverside plans to return a special shell bead necklace linked to Native American tribes by January 20, 2026. This necklace, found in California and held since 1971, is believed to have been part of Native American burial traditions. If you want to learn more or request repatriation, contact the museum soon!
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Museum Intends to Return Shell-Bead Necklace
The Museum of Riverside intends to return one shell-bead necklace that it holds to a culturally affiliated group. The museum says the object has a cultural affiliation with the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation and is an unassociated funerary object believed to have been part of Native American burial traditions.
How and When Repatriation Can Be Requested
Repatriation may occur on or after January 20, 2026. Any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization may submit a written request (showing affiliation by a preponderance of the evidence) to Robyn G. Peterson at the Museum of Riverside, 3900 Main Street, Riverside, CA 92552 or by email at [email protected]; if competing requests are received the museum will decide the appropriate requestor and joint requests count as a single request.
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