Michigan Uni Clears Ancient Texas Artifact: No Safety Risks Found
Published Date: 8/3/2026
Notice
Summary
The University of Michigan has finished checking an ancient funerary object linked to Native American tribes from Texas, dating back to 1000-1450 AD. Starting September 2, 2026, this object can be returned to the affiliated tribes. No safety risks were found, and the university is ready to handle repatriation requests.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Associated Funerary Object Eligible
The University of Michigan identified one associated funerary object from the T.M. Sanders site (41LR2), Lamar County, Texas, dated to the Mississippian period (1000–1450 AD). The object is culturally affiliated with the Caddo Nation of Oklahoma and the Wichita and Affiliated Tribes and may be repatriated on or after September 2, 2026.
Who Can Request Repatriation
Written repatriation requests may be sent to Dr. Ben Secunda at the University of Michigan beginning September 2, 2026. Requests may be submitted by any of the named Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations listed in the notice, or by a lineal descendant or tribe that proves cultural affiliation by a preponderance of the evidence; competing requests will be resolved by the University and joint requests are treated as a single request.
No Hazardous Treatment Found
The University of Michigan reported it has no record or knowledge that the associated funerary object was treated with pesticides, preservatives, or other substances that would be a hazard to the collection or to people handling it. The university states it is prepared to handle repatriation requests.
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