Speed Art Museum Repatriates 24 Native Artifacts to Oklahoma Tribes
On August 19, 2023, the Speed Art Museum in Louisville, Kentucky, made a significant move by returning 24 cultural items to the Southern Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes. This marked the museum's first repatriation under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) from 1990. The items, which include beaded bags and a Cheyenne cradle board, were originally given to the museum in 1930 by photographer Frederick Weygold. After consultations in 2023 and a site visit planned for 2024, their return was validated. Fred Mosqueda from the Arapaho highlighted their deep cultural importance, while Chester Whiteman of the Southern Cheyenne pointed out past issues with transparency. The artifacts will stay in Oklahoma until a proper facility is ready.
Key facts
- Speed Art Museum returned 24 Native American artifacts to the Southern Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes on August 19.
- This is the museum's first repatriation under NAGPRA.
- The artifacts include beaded bags, a turtle amulet, a sundance rattle, and a Cheyenne cradle board.
- The items were originally gifted in 1930 by photographer Frederick Weygold.
- A 2024 site visit found 24 of nearly 100 objects eligible for return.
- NAGPRA regulations were updated in 2024 to strengthen tribal authority.
- The American Museum of Natural History returned 124 sets of remains and 90 artifacts in July 2024.
- The National Park Service awarded $3 million in grants for repatriation efforts.
Entities
Artists
- Frederick Weygold
Institutions
- Speed Art Museum
- Southern Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes
- American Museum of Natural History
- National Park Service
- Courier Journal
- Hyperallergic
Locations
- Louisville
- Kentucky
- Oklahoma
- New York