If we are going to look at repatriating some war souvenirs perhaps we
should look at all such pieces.  The remains of slaves taken in tribal
warfare in Africa and sold to slavers trading in the "New World" would have
to be disinterred and returned.  All archaeological sites would have to be
deemed the realm of grave robbers and the material returned.  All American
Indian grave sites in North America would have to be gleaned for artifacts
belonging to the settlers they murdered.  Certainly intertribal warfare
would dictate a close examination of the material held by each Indian
Nation.  The art in many of our museums would have to be returned to its
place of "Liberation".  Should we then send US troops to drive the British
from Northern Ireland and white interlopers from Alaska to put the "Rightful
Owners" in possession?
        The simple fact is, there has always been warfare and conflict as it is
part of human nature.  Some historical conflict is accepted by today's mores
and folkways and some is condemned.  Be careful how you wish to apply the
delineation.  You may find yourself on the side of the line not to your
choosing.

Wayne Hart, Director
Museum of Valor


At 11:09 PM 2/14/97 -0800, you wrote:
>Nancy J Russell wrote:
>>
>> Hello, all. I am wondering about the ethical/legal implications of
>> battlefield trophies in museum collections. Would "souvenirs" taken
>> from dead Native Americans after battles be covered under NAGPRA?. . .>
>> Specifically, I am thinking about a moccasin that was literally cut
>> off the foot of an Indian at Wounded Knee.
>
>This is a provocative question.  I am assuming that these items are
>covered under NAGPRA, but even it they weren't, I would consider a
>museum's ownership in question.  Was the object
>given/donated/sold/transfered with the original owner's permission and
>consent?  If not, I believe museums (as holders of the public trust)
>should make a reasonable effort to return stolen or illegaly removed
>objects to their owners.  In many cases, museums may not be aware that
>an object was not legitimately transfered to them and that it may be
>difficult to return the objects to their proper owner (especially after
>100 years).
>
>I would be interested in the response of others!
>
>--
>M. A. van Balgooy
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>Chaffey Communities Cultural Center
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