Museum to Repatriate Pesticide-Treated Oneida Maternity Mask
Published Date: 6/22/2026
Notice
Summary
The American Museum of Natural History plans to return a special wooden mask to the Oneida Tribe, honoring their cultural heritage. This mask, used in maternity ceremonies, will be repatriated starting July 22, 2026. This respectful handover helps preserve Native traditions and involves careful handling due to past pesticide use on museum items.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Oneida mask to be returned July 22, 2026
The American Museum of Natural History intends to return one wooden mask, described as used in maternity rites and accessioned in 1903, to the Oneida Indian Nation. The repatriation may occur on or after July 22, 2026, and lineal descendants, Indian Tribes, or Native Hawaiian organizations can submit written requests showing cultural affiliation by a preponderance of the evidence.
Handling advisory for possible pesticide residue
Museum records show that the museum previously applied potentially hazardous pesticides to collection items, though which objects were treated is not listed. People who handle this mask should follow advice from industrial hygienists or medical personnel with training in occupational health or hazardous substances.
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