Mount Holyoke Museum Plans Return of Native American Pipes and Beads
Published Date: 2/11/2026
Notice
Summary
Mount Holyoke College Art Museum is planning to return six Native American cultural items, like pipes and beads, to the tribes they belong to. This repatriation will start on or after March 13, 2026, following the law that protects Native American graves. No money changes hands, but this is a big step in respecting Native heritage and history.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Return of Six Native Funerary Items
Mount Holyoke College Art Museum intends to repatriate six unassociated funerary objects — one basalt adze, three pipes (including a pipe bowl), one lot of beads, and one lot of iron ore. The Museum identifies a cultural affiliation with the Stockbridge Munsee Community, Wisconsin, and repatriation may occur on or after March 13, 2026.
Right to Request Repatriation
Any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization that can show by a preponderance of the evidence that it is culturally affiliated may submit a written request for repatriation to the Museum. If competing requests are received, the Mount Holyoke College Art Museum must determine the most appropriate requestor before repatriation; requests may result in joint repatriation if requested.
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