The Haudenosaunee & Wampum

Photo by Kanatiyosh@aol.com wampum & shell 2001©

Repatriation & Wampum

written by Kanatiiosh (Barbara A. Gray) 2000©

Under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), the Haudenosaunee Standing Committee on Burial Rules and Regulations has been very successful in getting numerous wampum belts, wampum strings, false face masks, and other cultural property repatriated to the Haudenosaunee.

The Haudenosaunee Standing Committee on Burial Rules and Regulations (Committee) is comprised of all the leaders (chiefs) of the Haudenosaunee nations, which are the Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, Seneca, and Tuscarora. In addition, each of these nations picks a representative to attend meetings. Pete Jemison, a Seneca, is the Chairman of the Committee.

The Haudenosaunee with the assistance of the American Indian Ritual Object Repatriation Foundation has been very successful in recovering lost sacred items from private collectors and auction houses. For example, recently a ceremonial turtle rattle, kano:wa, which was in the collection of a private collector, and antler combs, which were part of Sotheby's Fine American Indian Art auction, were repatriated back to the Haudenosaunee after much correspondence and negotiation.

NAGPRA is an important federal law that can be used to return to the Haudenosaunee those sacred items that have been separated from the people. The repatriated sacred items can once again take their rightful places amongst the Haudenosaunee and restore harmony, health, and balance to the people and the Natural World.

If you know of any items that have become lost and need to be returned home, to the Haudenosaunee, please email me and I will pass along the information.

Art & Designer by Webmaster:  Kanatiyosh@aol.com

This site and all artwork is protected by copyright law Kanatiiosh 2001 ©

Website created May 20,2000: Updated December 2001

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