Brooklyn Museum set to repatriate sacred Seneca masks
Published Date: 1/15/2026
Notice
Summary
The Brooklyn Museum plans to return two sacred masks to Native American tribes starting February 17, 2026. These masks are important cultural and religious items linked to the Seneca and Cattaraugus communities. This repatriation honors Native traditions and shows the museum’s commitment to doing the right thing—no money changes hands, just respect and care.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Two Sacred Masks Returned to Tribes
The Brooklyn Museum intends to return two sacred masks that it has identified as culturally affiliated with the Seneca and Cattaraugus communities. The repatriation may occur on or after February 17, 2026, and the items are described as sacred objects/objects of cultural patrimony.
Who Can Request Repatriation
Lineal descendants, Indian Tribes, and Native Hawaiian organizations may submit written requests for these cultural items to Dare Turner at the Brooklyn Museum, 200 Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn, NY 11238-6052 (email provided in notice). The museum will consider competing requests and must determine the most appropriate requestor; joint requests count as a single request.
Museum Notes Historic Pesticide Use
The Brooklyn Museum states there is no specific record of hazardous substances used on these two masks, but that the museum historically used pesticides containing arsenic and heavy metals on other collections and in collection spaces. This information is included in the museum's notice about the items.
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