Toxic Chemical Baskets Head Back to Native Tribes After 100 Years
Published Date: 9/30/2026
Notice
Summary
The Oakland Museum of California plans to return seven special baskets to Native American tribes connected to them, starting October 30, 2026. These baskets, collected over 100 years ago, hold deep cultural meaning and were treated with chemicals that showed traces of lead, mercury, and zinc. This repatriation honors Native heritage and follows important laws protecting cultural items.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Seven baskets to be repatriated
The Oakland Museum of California intends to return seven cultural patrimony baskets. The museum has determined these seven baskets have a cultural affiliation with the United Auburn Indian Community of the Auburn Rancheria, and repatriation may occur on or after October 30, 2026.
Contaminants found on baskets
Institutional records show the baskets were treated with mercuric chloride and gasoline, and XRF and wipe sampling analyses found lead, mercury, and zinc. Transferable lead was detected on H16.1784, H16.2145, H16.2146, and H16.2147; transferable mercury on H16.1784; and transferable zinc on H16.1784 and H16.2136.
Who may request repatriation
Any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization not identified in the notice may submit a written request for repatriation if they show by a preponderance of the evidence they are lineal descendants or culturally affiliated. Requests for joint repatriation count as a single request, and the museum must decide between competing requests before repatriation.
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