BLM Plans Return of 1932 Artificial Bone Eye
Published Date: 5/28/2026
Notice
Summary
The Bureau of Land Management in Alaska plans to return a special cultural item—a prehistoric artificial bone eye—to Native American tribes connected to it. This item, found in a 1932 archaeological dig, will be repatriated starting June 29, 2026. This respectful return honors Native traditions and involves no cost to the public.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Return of Prehistoric Bone Eye
The Bureau of Land Management intends to return one prehistoric artificial bone eye (University of Pennsylvania Museum Object #32-7-1052) to Native groups. The item is culturally affiliated with the Native Village of Nanwalek, Native Village of Port Graham, and the Seldovia Village Tribe, and repatriation may occur on or after June 29, 2026.
Who May Request Repatriation
Any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization may send a written request for the item if they show by a preponderance of the evidence that they are culturally affiliated. Requests must be sent to the Bureau of Land Management Alaska State Office and repatriation may occur on or after June 29, 2026; if there are competing requests the BLM will determine the most appropriate recipient, and joint requests are treated as a single request.
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Key Dates
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