article

The return of the Ahayu:da: lessons for repatriation from Zuni Pueblo and the Smithsonian Institution

Current anthropology • 34 (5) • Published In 1993 • Pages: 523-567

By: Merrill, William L., Ladd, Edmund J., Ferguson, T. J. , Thomas John).

Abstract

In 1987, the Smithsonian Institution returned two <native>Ahayu:da</native> (twin gods or war gods)to the Zuni of western New Mexico. Negotiations leading to their repatriation extended over nine years. During this period, a number of issues regarding the proper curation of Zuni objects at the Smithsonian were raised, many of which were resolved while others were tabled to be addressed in the future. A detailed history of these negotiations is presented and then analyzed from the distinct perspectives of each of the authors, who played central roles in the negotiations as a Smithsonian curator, a Zuni anthropologist, and a consulting anthropologist hired by the Pueblo of Zuni. This case study offers insights into the complexities of the repatriation process and valuable lessons for museums and tribes as they begin discussing the return of cultural property legislated by the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act of 1990 (p. 523).

HRAF PubDate

2009

Region

North America

Sub Region

Southwest and Basin

Document Type

article

Evaluation

Creator Types

Indigenous Person

Ethnologist

Document Rating

5: Excellent Primary Data

Analyst

John Beierle; 2007

Field Date

1978-1987

Coverage Date

1846-1987

Coverage Place

Zuni Pueblo, New Mexico, United States

Notes

by William L. Merrill, Edmund J. Ladd, and T. J. Ferguson

artifact repatriation - International Relations (648)

Includes bibliographical references (p. 565-567)

LCCN

a 63000576

LCSH

Zuni Indians