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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