Missouri University Museum to Repatriate Native Human Remains and Artifacts
Published Date: 4/9/2026
Notice
Summary
The University of Missouri’s Museum of Anthropology has finished checking its collection and found human remains and related objects linked to Native American tribes. Starting May 11, 2026, these items can be returned to the tribes that they belong to. This is a respectful step to honor Native American heritage, with no costs or risks involved.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Human Remains and Objects Returnable
If you are a member of The Osage Nation or an eligible claimant, the University of Missouri has determined that human remains (representing at least one individual) and 1,202 associated funerary objects can be returned. The collection includes 15 lots of objects from Site 23OR21 (Pigman Mound) in Oregon County, Missouri, excavated in 1959–1960, and repatriation may occur on or after May 11, 2026.
Who May Request Repatriation
Written repatriation requests may be submitted by any of the Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations identified in this notice, or by any lineal descendant or tribe not identified who shows by a preponderance of the evidence that they are affiliated. If competing requests are received, the University of Missouri must determine the most appropriate requestor; joint repatriation requests count as a single request.
No Known Hazardous Treatment
The University of Missouri reports that no known hazardous substances were used to treat the human remains or associated funerary objects in this collection. This indicates there are no known contamination risks tied to handling or repatriation of these items.
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