Interior Department and Museum to Return Ancient Cahuilla Pot
Published Date: 6/22/2026
Notice
Summary
The U.S. Department of the Interior and the American Museum of Natural History plan to return a special ancient pottery piece to the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. This small ceramic olla was taken from their land near Palm Springs long ago and will be repatriated starting July 22, 2026. This respectful return honors Native American heritage and corrects past museum mistakes without any cost to the tribes.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
One Pottery Piece Returned to Tribe
The Department of the Interior and the American Museum of Natural History plan to return one small-mouthed ceramic olla to the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. The object was removed from Andreas Canyon near Palm Springs, was purchased on October 22, 1917, and the repatriation may occur on or after July 22, 2026; the notice states the return will be made without any cost to the tribes.
Who Can Request Repatriation
Any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization not identified in the notice may submit a written request for repatriation if they show by a preponderance of the evidence that they are a lineal descendant or culturally affiliated. If competing requests are received, the Bureau of Indian Affairs will determine the most appropriate requestor; joint requests are treated as a single request.
Handling Safety Advisory for Item
The notice states the American Museum of Natural History applied potentially hazardous pesticides to some collection items in the past and museum records do not list specific treatments for each object. It advises that those handling this olla should follow the advice of industrial hygienists or medical personnel trained in occupational health or hazardous substances.
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