New Mexico Museum Prepares to Repatriate Sacred Objects
Published Date: 7/22/2026
Notice
Summary
The University of New Mexico’s Maxwell Museum is getting ready to return 17 sacred Native American cultural items to the tribes and Native Hawaiian groups they belong to. These special objects, like rattles, drums, and masks, will be repatriated starting August 21, 2026. This respectful move honors Native traditions and strengthens cultural connections without any cost to the public.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Repatriation of 17 sacred items
The University of New Mexico’s Maxwell Museum intends to return 17 sacred Native American cultural items (including hide rattles, a ceramic drum, prayer plume holders, basket hats/crowns, a ceremonial bow, curing dolls, a Yei mask, and other sacred objects) to affiliated tribes on or after August 21, 2026. The museum states the items have a cultural affiliation with the Navajo Nation (Arizona, New Mexico, & Utah) and that repatriation will occur without any cost to the public.
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