Yale Museum Plans to Return a Bird-Shaped Soapstone Pipe
Published Date: 10/16/2026
Notice
Summary
The Yale Peabody Museum plans to return a special bird-shaped soapstone pipe to the Cherokee Nation and related tribes because it’s connected to their ancestors. This repatriation can happen starting November 16, 2026. If other groups believe they have a right to the item, they can ask the museum in writing before then.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Museum to Return Bird Effigy Pipe
The Yale Peabody Museum intends to return one bird effigy soapstone pipe identified as an unassociated funerary object to the Cherokee Nation; Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians; and the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians. The object was donated by Reverend Edward O. Dunning likely between 1869 and 1870, and repatriation may occur on or after November 16, 2026.
How Others Can Request the Item
Any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization not listed may submit a written request to Professor David Skelly, Director, Yale Peabody Museum (P.O. Box 208118, New Haven, CT 06520-8118; david.skelly@yale.edu) showing by a preponderance of the evidence that they are culturally affiliated. Repatriation may occur on or after November 16, 2026; joint requests count as a single request, and if competing requests are received the Yale Peabody Museum must determine the most appropriate requestor before repatriation.
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