Notice of Intended Repatriation: Robert S. Peabody Institute of Archaeology, Andover, MA
Published Date: 2/2/2026
Notice
Summary
The Robert S. Peabody Institute of Archaeology in Andover, MA, plans to return 320 Native American cultural items to their rightful tribes starting March 4, 2026. These items include sacred objects and funerary items from Arizona, collected over many years. This repatriation respects Native American heritage and follows important legal rules, with no money involved but lots of cultural respect in action!
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Repatriation of 320 Native Items
The Robert S. Peabody Institute of Archaeology intends to return 320 Native American cultural items to affiliated tribes on or after March 4, 2026. The 320 items include 95 unassociated funerary objects and 225 sacred objects with ties to tribes in central and southern Arizona.
Lineal Descendants Can Request Repatriation
Any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization not named in the notice may submit a written request for repatriation and must show by a preponderance of the evidence that they are culturally affiliated. Repatriation to a successful requestor may occur on or after March 4, 2026, and the RSPI will resolve competing requests or accept joint requests as a single request.
Items Determined Affiliated with O'Odham
The RSPI has determined that the listed items are unassociated funerary objects, sacred objects, and/or objects of cultural patrimony affiliated with the Ak-Chin Indian Community; Gila River Indian Community; Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community; and the Tohono O'Odham Nation. The items were removed from sites in Apache, Gila, Maricopa, and Pinal counties, Arizona, and are being handled under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act.
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