Georgia University Returns Ancient Funerary Objects to Tribes
Published Date: 12/22/2025
Notice
Summary
The University of Georgia’s Archaeology Lab plans to return 193 lots of Native American cultural items, like beads, tools, and pottery, to the tribes they belong to. This repatriation will start on or after January 21, 2026, helping honor Native heritage and respect sacred objects. No money changes hands, but this is a big step in righting history and strengthening relationships with Native communities.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
UGA to Return 193 Native Artifacts
The University of Georgia, Laboratory of Archaeology intends to repatriate 193 lots of Native American unassociated funerary objects (for example: beads, pottery, bone tools, shell gorgets) that were removed from sites in the Lower Coastal Plain of Georgia. The repatriation may occur on or after January 21, 2026.
Who Can Request Repatriation and How
Any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization may submit a written request for repatriation to Amanda Roberts Thompson at the University of Georgia, Laboratory of Archaeology (1125 E Whitehall Road, Athens, GA 30602 or the listed email) if they show by a preponderance of the evidence that they are culturally affiliated. Repatriation to a requestor may occur on or after January 21, 2026; if competing requests arrive, the University of Georgia must determine the most appropriate requestor and joint requests count as a single request.
Two Tribes Identified as Culturally Affiliated
The University of Georgia determined there is a cultural affiliation between the described items and the Seminole Tribe of Florida and The Muscogee (Creek) Nation. Those two tribes are identified in the notice as affiliated with the 193 lots of unassociated funerary objects.
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