NC Museum to return sacred Hawaiian bark cloths to islands
Published Date: 4/9/2026
Notice
Summary
North Carolina State University's Gregg Museum is planning to return six sacred Hawaiian cultural items to Native Hawaiian groups starting May 11, 2026. These special bark cloths, donated decades ago, are recognized as important sacred objects and will be respectfully repatriated. This move honors Native Hawaiian heritage and follows careful consultation, with no costs or hazards involved.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Gregg Museum to Return Six Hawaiian Items
The Gregg Museum of Art & Design intends to repatriate six mea kapu (sacred objects) to Native Hawaiian groups on or after May 11, 2026. The items are described as a Polynesian tapa cloth (kapa, ca. 1929, accession 1986.013.001), a Hawaiian bark cloth (kapa, ca. pre-1993, accession 1993.018.173), and four bark cloth samples (ca. pre-1993). The museum records a cultural affiliation with the Native Hawaiian organization Hui Iwi Kuamoʻo and notes no known hazardous substances in these items.
Who Can Request Repatriation and How
Any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization may submit a written request for repatriation of these items by showing by a preponderance of the evidence that they are a lineal descendant or culturally affiliated. Repatriation may occur on or after May 11, 2026; if competing requests are received the Gregg Museum must determine the most appropriate requestor, and joint requests are treated as a single request.
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