WV Museum to Return Sacred Stone Burial Pipes to Cherokee Tribes Tradition
Published Date: 9/9/2026
Notice
Summary
The Huntington Museum of Art plans to return four special stone pipes to the Cherokee tribes because they were used in Native American burial ceremonies. This repatriation will start on or after October 9, 2026, and helps honor Native American traditions. No money changes hands, but the museum is making sure these cultural treasures go back to their rightful communities.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Four Burial Pipes Returned to Cherokee
If you are a member or lineal descendant of the Cherokee Nation, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, or the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians, the Huntington Museum of Art intends to return four unassociated funerary objects (three stone pipes and one fossilized coral pipe). The repatriation may occur on or after October 9, 2026.
Who May Request Repatriation
Any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization that can show by a preponderance of the evidence that they are culturally affiliated may send a written request for repatriation to Liz Simmons, Executive Director, Huntington Museum of Art, 2033 McCoy Road, Huntington, WV 25701 or via the provided email addresses. The museum will consider competing requests and may repatriate the items on or after October 9, 2026.
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