Gilcrease Museum Returns War Dance Bustle to Tribes
Published Date: 6/11/2026
Notice
Summary
The Gilcrease Museum in Tulsa plans to return six important Native American cultural items, including sacred objects and a War Dance bustle, to the tribes they belong to. This repatriation will start on or after July 13, 2026, following laws that protect Native heritage. No money changes hands, but the museum is making sure these special items go back to their rightful communities safely.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Six Native American Items To Be Returned
The Gilcrease Museum intends to return six cultural items — five sacred objects and one object of cultural patrimony — that are affiliated with the Pawnee Nation of Oklahoma. The repatriation may occur on or after July 13, 2026, and the items include a medicine bundle, three pipe-related items, two rattles (including a Ghost Dance gourd rattle), and a War Dance bustle.
Some Items May Contain Hazardous Treatments
The notice states that potentially hazardous substances may have been used to treat some of the museum items. People handling or receiving these items should be aware that treatments may pose hazards during handling or transport.
Who Can Request Repatriation and How
Any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization that can show by a preponderance of the evidence a cultural affiliation may submit a written request for repatriation to Laura Bryant at the Gilcrease Museum. Repatriation to a requestor may occur on or after July 13, 2026, and the museum must decide among competing requests (joint requests count as a single request).
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