Native Tribes Still Await Return of Artifacts Despite Museum Exhibits Closing 6 Months Ago

Some tribal leaders say they’ve yet to hear from the museums.

NEW YORK — Within the Native American halls of the American Museum of Natural History resides a sacred wooden doll, revered by tribes once located in Manhattan.

Known as Ohtas or Doll Being, this ceremonial figure has been out of public view for over six months. This follows the museum’s response to new federal rules demanding the return of sacred items to tribes or obtaining consent for their display.

The Ohtas is one of approximately 1,800 items under review as the museum seeks to adhere to these regulations. Officials are also considering a comprehensive update of ancient exhibits.

However, tribal leaders express skepticism. Many believe museums have delayed unreasonably, despite the long-standing Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act of 1990.

“If things move slowly, then address that,” said Joe Baker, a Delaware Tribe of Indians member, urging the return of cultural items central to tribal heritage.

Museum President Sean Decatur assured that tribal consultations will commence soon. Staff have spent recent months reassessing displayed objects to facilitate this interaction.

Plans for a new exhibit in the fall will include Native American perspectives and insights into the exhibit closures. Decatur aims for a thorough renovation similar to the $19 million upgrade of the Northwest Coast Hall.

Lance Gumbs of the Shinnecock Indian Nation voiced concern over the diminishing representation of local tribes in public spaces, particularly given the museum’s significance in education and tourism.

He proposes using replicas crafted by Native artists instead of original artifacts taken from sacred sites.

“I don’t think tribes want to have our history written out of museums,” Gumbs remarked, stressing the need for respectful solutions.

Gordon Yellowman of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes suggested digital and virtual exhibits. His tribes seek the return of a sketchbook by Cheyenne warrior Little Finger Nail, currently in storage at the New York museum.

“These drawings were made to document the actual history of the Cheyenne and Arapaho people,” Yellowman stated.

Museums nationwide have taken diverse approaches. The Field Museum in Chicago established a Center for Repatriation, returning several items and anticipating more. In Ohio, the Cleveland Museum received consent to reopen Tlingit artifact displays but keeps others closed for reevaluation.

At Harvard, the Peabody Museum reopened the North American Indian hall after removing 15% of its artifacts. This included hair clippings from Indigenous children forced to assimilate in boarding schools.

“We’re having meaningful conversations with institutions like Harvard; that’s progress,” said Cherokee Nation Chief Chuck Hoskin, emphasizing an evolved approach to Indigenous artifacts.

Joe Baker insists the Ohtas should be returned to its tribe, criticizing its previous display among mundane items.

Museum officials have engaged in discussions with tribal representatives since 2021, hopeful for ongoing dialogue despite the item’s exemption from U.S. federal regulations, as it belongs to the Munsee-Delaware Nation in Ontario.

“It has a spirit. It’s a living being,” Baker affirmed. “Being confined in a static case for years is just horrific.”