Art Museum to Return Sacred Hawaiian Leis and Drums to Tribes
Published Date: 3/27/2026
Notice
Summary
The Denver Art Museum plans to return 18 sacred Native Hawaiian cultural items to the rightful tribes starting April 27, 2026. These special objects include wood bowls, kapa cloths, a drum, and feather leis, all with deep cultural meaning. This repatriation honors Native Hawaiian heritage and shows the museum’s commitment to doing the right thing—no money changes hands, just respect and care.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Denver Art Museum to Return 18 Items
The Denver Art Museum intends to repatriate 18 sacred Native Hawaiian cultural items, including wood bowls, kapa cloths, a drum, stone tools, a feather lei, a pendant necklace, and a mat. The repatriation may occur on or after April 27, 2026, and the museum states that no money will change hands as part of this return.
Who Can Request Repatriation
Any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization not named in the notice may submit a written request for repatriation if they show by a preponderance of the evidence that they are a lineal descendant or culturally affiliated. If competing requests are received, the Denver Art Museum must decide the most appropriate requestor; joint requests are treated as a single request.
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