LA's Autry Museum plans return of sacred Native masks and baskets
Published Date: 3/16/2026
Notice
Summary
The Autry Museum of the American West in Los Angeles plans to return nine sacred Native American cultural items, like medicine masks and tobacco baskets, to the tribes they belong to. This repatriation will start on or after April 15, 2026, honoring Native traditions and history. No money changes hands, but it’s a big step in respecting Native heritage and keeping culture alive.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Museum Will Return Specific Cultural Items
The Autry Museum of the American West intends to repatriate cultural items under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act. The notice identifies 2 unassociated funerary objects, 35 sacred objects, 1 object of cultural patrimony, and 2 items that are both sacred and of cultural patrimony; repatriation may occur on or after April 15, 2026.
Items Linked to Seneca Tribal Entities
The Autry Museum's determinations state there is a connection between the cultural items in this notice and the Seneca Nation of Indians and the Tonawanda Band of Seneca. Those specific tribal affiliations are identified in the notice as having cultural ties to the described items.
Who May Request Repatriation and How
Any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization may submit a written request for repatriation of the items. Requests must be sent to Karimah Richardson, Associate Curator of Anthropology and Repatriation Supervisor, Autry Museum of the American West, 4700 Western Heritage Way, Los Angeles, CA 90027, or the email listed in the notice; if competing requests are received the museum must determine the most appropriate requestor and repatriation may occur on or after April 15, 2026.
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