AMNH to Repatriate 2,700 Native Hair Clippings After Decades
The American Museum of Natural History in New York has announced it will repatriate a collection of approximately 2,700 hair clippings taken from Native American individuals, fulfilling obligations under the 1990 Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). The museum had failed to return these remains for decades, prompting scrutiny from tribal nations and federal authorities. The hair clippings were part of a larger collection of human remains and funerary objects that the museum has been working to repatriate. This move comes amid a broader reckoning among museums over the ethical stewardship of Indigenous cultural heritage. The museum stated it is committed to consulting with tribes to ensure proper return and reburial. The repatriation process is expected to take several months.
Key facts
- The American Museum of Natural History will repatriate 2,700 Native American hair clippings.
- The repatriation is required under the 1990 Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA).
- The museum had delayed returning the remains for decades.
- The hair clippings are part of a larger collection of Native remains and funerary objects.
- The museum is consulting with tribal nations to facilitate the return.
- The repatriation reflects ongoing efforts to address historical injustices in museum collections.
- The process is expected to take several months.
- The announcement follows increased federal and tribal pressure on museums.
Entities
Institutions
Locations
- New York City
- United States