Notice of Intent To Repatriate a Cultural Item: Binghamton University, State University of New York, Binghamton, NY, 11679 [2013-03654]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
• National Park Service

[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 33 (Tuesday, February 19, 2013)]
[Notices]
[Page 11679]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-03654]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

National Park Service

[NPS-WASO-NAGPRA-11918; 2200-1100-665]


Notice of Intent To Repatriate a Cultural Item: Binghamton 
University, State University of New York, Binghamton, NY

AGENCY: National Park Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: Binghamton University, in consultation with the appropriate 
Indian tribes, has determined that a cultural item meets the definition 
of sacred object and repatriation to the Indian tribe stated below may 
occur if no additional claimants come forward. Representatives of any 
Indian tribe that believes itself to be culturally affiliated with the 
cultural item may contact Binghamton University.

DATES: Representatives of any Indian tribe that believes it has a 
cultural affiliation with the cultural item should contact Binghamton 
University at the address below by March 21, 2013.

ADDRESSES: Nina M. Versaggi, Public Archaeology Facility, Binghamton 
University, Binghamton, NY 13902-6000, telephone (607) 777-4786.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Notice is here given in accordance with the 
Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), 25 
U.S.C. 3005, of the intent to repatriate a cultural item in the 
possession of Binghamton University that meets the definition of sacred 
object under 25 U.S.C. 3001.
    This notice is published as part of the National Park Service's 
administrative responsibilities under NAGPRA, 25 U.S.C. 3003(d)(3). The 
determinations in this notice are the sole responsibility of the 
museum, institution, or Federal agency that has control of the Native 
American cultural item. The National Park Service is not responsible 
for the determinations in this notice.

History and Description of the Cultural Item(s)

    During the middle to late 1960s, the Anthropology Department at 
Binghamton University acquired a False Face mask made by an artist from 
the Six Nations, in Ontario, Canada. A typed index card accompanying 
the mask reads: ``Big lipped Grandfather, Onondaga Nation, Deer Clan, 
Six Nations Reservation--Ontario.'' The mask is carved wood with a 
black face with a red mouth, turned up at the corners, with a hole in 
the center. The mask face has a curved nose with holes and metal eye 
inlays surrounding center eyeholes. The face is framed with dark hair, 
and there are carved and etched lines on the face.
    On March 11, 2003, Binghamton University hosted a consultation 
meeting for all Federally recognized tribes to review NAGPRA summaries 
as part of the process of determining cultural affiliation. A group of 
traditional representatives from the Cayuga Nation; Saint Regis Mohawk 
Tribe (previously listed as the St. Regis Band of Mohawk Indians of New 
York); Seneca Nation of Indians (previously listed as the Seneca Nation 
of New York); Seneca-Cayuga Tribe of Oklahoma; and Tuscarora Nation met 
privately after the open consultation. On July 17, 2012, a 
representative of the Onondaga Nation met with representatives of 
Binghamton University, and subsequently, the Onondaga Nation requested 
the repatriation of the mask.

Determinations Made by Binghamton University

    Officials of Binghamton University have determined that:
     Pursuant to 25 U.S.C. 3001(3)(C), the one cultural item 
described above is a specific ceremonial object needed by traditional 
Native American religious leaders for the practice of traditional 
Native American religions by their present-day adherents.
     Pursuant to 25 U.S.C. 3001(2), there is a relationship of 
shared group identity that can be reasonably traced between the sacred 
object and the Onondaga Nation.

Additional Requestors and Disposition

    Representatives of any other Indian tribe that believes itself to 
be culturally affiliated with the sacred object should contact Nina M. 
Versaggi, Public Archaeology Facility, Binghamton University, 
Binghamton, NY 13902-6000, telephone (607) 777-4786 before March 21, 
2013. Repatriation of the sacred object to the Onondaga Nation may 
proceed after that date if no additional claimants come forward.
    Binghamton University is responsible for notifying the Cayuga 
Nation; Delaware Nation, Oklahoma; Delaware Tribe of Indians; Oneida 
Nation of New York; Oneida Tribe of Indians of Wisconsin; Onondaga 
Nation; Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe (previously listed as the St. Regis 
Band of Mohawk Indians of New York); Seneca Nation of Indians 
(previously listed as the Seneca Nation of New York); Seneca-Cayuga 
Tribe of Oklahoma; Stockbridge Munsee Community, Wisconsin; Tonawanda 
Band of Seneca (previously listed as the Tonawanda Band of Seneca 
Indians of New York); and Tuscarora Nation that this notice has been 
published.

    Dated: December 13, 2012.
Sherry Hutt,
Manager, National Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation 
Act Program.
[FR Doc. 2013-03654 Filed 2-15-13; 8:45 am]
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