Buffalo Museum Returns Sacred Osage Ceremonial Mat
Published Date: 7/22/2026
Notice
Summary
The Buffalo Museum of Science plans to return a special woven plant fiber item, known as an Osage Mat, to the Osage Nation because it’s a sacred object used in their ceremonies. This repatriation may happen on or after August 21, 2026, and honors Native American cultural traditions. No money changes hands, but it’s a big step in respecting and restoring important cultural heritage.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Museum to Return Osage Sacred Mat
The Buffalo Museum of Science intends to return one cultural item (catalog number C13450), an Osage Mat made of woven plant fiber and identified as an object of cultural patrimony, to The Osage Nation. The repatriation may occur on or after August 21, 2026, and the notice indicates this is a transfer honoring Osage ceremonial traditions; no money changes hands.
Who Can Request Repatriation
Any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization not identified in the notice may submit a written request for the item to Kathryn H. Leacock at the Buffalo Museum of Science (1020 Humboldt Parkway, Buffalo, NY 14211 or the email address listed in the notice). Requestors must show by a preponderance of the evidence that they are a lineal descendant or culturally affiliated; if competing requests are received the museum will decide the most appropriate requestor and joint requests are treated as a single request.
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