ASU to Return Sacred Baskets, Tools to Native Tribes
Published Date: 8/31/2026
Notice
Summary
Arizona State University plans to return six sacred cultural items, including baskets, a bone tool, and a jar, to Native American tribes connected to the O'odham culture. This repatriation will start on or after September 30, 2026, honoring the tribes' heritage and respecting their traditions. No money changes hands, but this is a big step in righting history and strengthening community ties.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
ASU plans to repatriate six sacred objects
Arizona State University's repository intends to return six cultural items—four ethnographic baskets, one bone awl, and one jar—that are identified as sacred objects and are affiliated with the O'odham cultural group (Ak-Chin, Gila River, Salt River Pima-Maricopa, and Tohono O'odham). The university's determination states these items are needed by traditional Native American religious leaders and are connected to the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community.
Repatriation date set
The notice says repatriation of these cultural items may occur on or after September 30, 2026. That means the items may be transferred to an eligible requestor starting on that specific date.
Who can request repatriation and how
Any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization not listed in the notice may submit a written request for repatriation if they show by a preponderance of the evidence that they are a lineal descendant or are culturally affiliated. If multiple requests compete, ASU CASR will decide the most appropriate requestor; joint requests count as a single request.
Testing found elevated sulfur in baskets
Non-destructive testing detected elevated sulfur levels in the baskets; ASU CASR notes sulfur can occur naturally in plant materials or be associated with historic pesticide treatments, and the source has not been determined. ASU CASR also states it is unaware of any documented pesticide or hazardous substance treatments to the items and that pesticide residues have not been confirmed.
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