Institute to Send Arkansas Pottery Back to Tribes
Published Date: 6/22/2026
Notice
Summary
The Robert S. Peabody Institute of Archaeology in Andover, MA, plans to return 44 groups of old Native American pottery and artifacts to the tribes connected to them. These items were dug up in Arkansas over 100 years ago and will be sent back starting July 22, 2026. This respectful move helps honor Native American heritage without any cost or danger involved.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Return of 44 Native Artifacts
The Robert S. Peabody Institute of Archaeology intends to repatriate 44 lots of unassociated funerary objects (ceramic vessels and sherds) that were excavated in Arkansas between 1908 and 1913. The items have a cultural affiliation to the Quapaw Nation and may be returned on or after July 22, 2026.
Who Can Request Repatriation
Any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization may submit a written request to claim the items if they show by a preponderance of the evidence that they are a lineal descendant or culturally affiliated. Send requests to Ryan Wheeler, Robert S. Peabody Institute of Archaeology, 180 Main Street, Andover, MA 01810 or by email to [email protected]. If competing requests are received, the Institute will decide the most appropriate requestor; joint requests count as a single request.
No Known Hazardous Substances
The notice states there is no known presence of any potentially hazardous substances associated with these cultural items. That means the Institute has identified no known chemical or safety hazards tied to the artifacts being repatriated.
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