Rhode Island Museum Plans Return of Eleven Sacred Hawaiian Barkcloths
Published Date: 10/22/2026
Notice
Summary
The Rhode Island School of Design Museum of Art plans to return 11 sacred Hawaiian barkcloth items to Native Hawaiian groups starting November 23, 2026. These special cultural objects were collected over the years and are important for Native Hawaiian religious traditions. This repatriation respects Native culture and follows federal law, with no costs or hazards involved.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Return of 11 Hawaiian kapa items
The Rhode Island School of Design Museum of Art plans to repatriate 11 sacred Hawaiian kapa (barkcloth) items that are identified as sacred objects/objects of cultural patrimony. The repatriation may occur on or after November 23, 2026, and the items are culturally affiliated with Native Hawaiian organizations including a connection to the Hui Iwi Kuamo`o.
Who may request repatriation
Any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization not named 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 culturally affiliated. If competing requests are received, the Museum of Art, Rhode Island School of Design must determine the most appropriate requestor before repatriation; joint requests are treated as a single request.
No known hazardous treatment of items
The notice states there is no known treatment of the 11 kapa items with potentially hazardous substances. This means the items are reported as not having known contamination that would create handling or safety barriers for repatriation.
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