Met Museum to Return Human-Bone Flute to Chumash Tribe
Published Date: 6/22/2026
Notice
Summary
The Metropolitan Museum of Art found out that a flute in their collection was actually made from ancestral human remains linked to the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Mission Indians. Starting July 22, 2026, the museum can return this flute to the tribe. This is part of a respectful effort to give back important cultural items and honor Native American heritage.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Flute Return to Chumash Tribe
The Metropolitan Museum of Art identified a flute in its collection as fashioned from ancestral human remains that are culturally affiliated with the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Mission Indians. The museum may repatriate (return) this flute to the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Mission Indians on or after July 22, 2026.
Who Can Request Repatriation
Written requests to receive the human remains may be submitted by any of the Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations named in the notice, or by any lineal descendant or other tribe/organization that shows by a preponderance of the evidence it has cultural affiliation. If competing requests are received, The Metropolitan Museum of Art must determine the most appropriate requestor before repatriation, and repatriation may occur on or after July 22, 2026.
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