Peabody Institute Returns Morrill Point Native Treasures
Published Date: 1/13/2026
Notice
Summary
The Robert S. Peabody Institute of Archaeology has finished checking and listing Native American human remains and related items found at Morrill Point, Massachusetts. These remains and objects belong to certain Native tribes and can be returned to them starting February 12, 2026. This means important cultural treasures will soon go back to their rightful communities, honoring their history and heritage.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Return of Native Remains and Objects
The Robert S. Peabody Institute of Archaeology will allow repatriation of human remains and associated funerary objects on or after February 12, 2026. The inventory lists human remains of at least 27 individuals and 3,056 associated funerary objects (including ceramic sherds, lithics, faunal remains, shells, metal items, and more) that are determined affiliated with the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe and the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah).
Who May Request Repatriation
Repatriation requests may be submitted by any of the tribes named in the notice, or by any lineal descendant or tribe not named that shows by a preponderance of the evidence a cultural affiliation. If competing requests are received, the Robert S. Peabody Institute of Archaeology must determine the most appropriate requestor; requests for joint repatriation are treated as a single request and are not competing.
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