American Museum of Natural History Plans Repatriation of Native Hawaiian Funerary Objects
AI-generated summary for informational purposes only. Not legal advice. See the original source for the authoritative text.
The American Museum of Natural History plans to return five funerary objects linked to Native Hawaiian burials at Ahua Point, O‘ahu. The items include a hammerstone, a whetstone or net sinker, and three stone discs or game stones, originally excavated from burial sites in 1938 and sold to the museum in 1946. Repatriation may take place on or after July 13, 2026. Native Hawaiian organizations or other eligible claimants who believe they have a valid claim should send written requests to the museum before that date.
AI-generated summary. May contain errors. Refer to official sources for legal decisions.
Key Changes
- The museum announces its intent to repatriate five unassociated funerary objects.
- The items are culturally affiliated with a Native Hawaiian organization.
- Additional written repatriation requests must be sent to the American Museum of Natural History before the repatriation date.
Obligations
What this law requires
Native Hawaiian organizations or other eligible claimants seeking repatriation of the listed funerary objects should submit an additional written repatriation request to Nell Murphy at the American Museum of Natural History before repatriation may proceed.