Helping Them Home: The need to Return Artifacts and Sacred Objects to Native American Tribes

Summary

This transcript emphasizes the value of historical artifacts in understanding culture and history, highlighting their importance to Native American tribes. It underscores the need for proper stewardship of these items, ensuring they are returned to the tribes for preservation and interpretation. The script also addresses legal and ethical guidelines, urging individuals to contact the appropriate agencies when they discover such artifacts. Through the return of these objects, tribes can preserve their cultural heritage and identity, ensuring their history and traditions are respected for future generations.

Takeaways

• 😀 History is deeply tied to artifacts, as they reveal insights about people, cultures, and time periods.
• 😀 Over 14,000 years of history in the U.S. are preserved through artifacts, which hold significant cultural and historical data.
• 😀 Artifacts are often discovered in the field, but many are improperly taken and stored, losing their historical context.
• 😀 The excitement of finding artifacts can lead people to keep them, but these objects are best preserved in place to maintain their context.
• 😀 Museums, especially tribal museums, play a key role in interpreting and displaying artifacts, helping educate both tribal members and the general public.
• 😀 Some artifacts, like atlatl dart points, provide critical insights into the technological advancements and cultural practices of early peoples.
• 😀 Stewardship of artifacts means recognizing their cultural value and ensuring they are treated with respect and preserved for future generations.
• 😀 Tribes are the rightful stewards of many artifacts, and it’s essential for people to return items to the tribes for proper care and interpretation.
• 😀 Artifacts that were once part of burial practices or sacred ceremonies need to be properly returned and sometimes reburied to maintain cultural integrity.
• 😀 There are laws in place that govern the discovery and handling of artifacts, including requirements to report finds on federal lands and recommendations for leaving items in place on private property.
• 😀 Returning artifacts to tribes ensures the preservation of cultural identity, allowing tribes to maintain connections to their past and educate future generations.

Q & A

Why is history important according to the script?

History is important because it helps us understand where we come from, who our ancestors are, where we lived, and the relationships between people. It also helps us learn about past societies, their activities, and their connection to the land through artifacts.

What role do artifacts play in understanding history?

Artifacts provide valuable information about past societies, offering insights into how people lived, what they did, and how they interacted with their environment. They help reconstruct the history of a place and its people.

What is the challenge associated with people finding artifacts in the field?

The challenge is that people often pick up artifacts out of curiosity, taking them home where they may lose their context. This limits the valuable historical and cultural information that can be derived from those artifacts.

How does the script emphasize the importance of good stewardship in artifact handling?

The script highlights that good stewardship involves respecting and preserving artifacts in their original location. Proper stewardship ensures that artifacts retain their historical context, and it encourages individuals to report finds to the appropriate authorities or tribes for proper care.

What is an atlatl dart, and how does it differ from an arrowhead?

An atlatl dart is a projectile point mounted on a longer, thicker shaft, used with a throwing board called an atlatl. It differs from an arrowhead, which is used with a bow and arrow. The atlatl dart could travel much farther, with a range of over 100 meters.

What significance do artifacts have for Native American tribes?

Artifacts are considered sacred by Native American tribes. They provide cultural and spiritual connections to their past, and their return to the tribes is seen as vital for preserving heritage and understanding their history.

Why is it important to return artifacts to their associated tribes?

Returning artifacts is important because they are integral to the tribes' cultural identity. The artifacts help tribes connect with their past and maintain their traditions. Keeping them in the hands of their rightful owners ensures their proper care and respect.

What should someone do if they find an artifact, according to the script?

If someone finds an artifact, they should leave it where it is, if possible, and report the discovery to the appropriate authorities or tribal representatives. If the artifact is already in their possession, they should photograph it and contact relevant agencies like the Legislative Commission on Indian Services.

What are the legal implications of finding artifacts on federal or state land?

On federal land, it is illegal to disturb artifacts in any way, including picking them up. On state land, particularly in Oregon, it is legal to pick up artifacts from the surface, but it is still encouraged to leave them in place to retain their context and report the find to the relevant authorities.

What should individuals do if they inherit or find artifacts at home, such as in their attic or garage?

Individuals should take care to properly document and handle these artifacts. They should reach out to tribal representatives or the Legislative Commission on Indian Services to ensure the artifacts are returned to the appropriate tribe for proper preservation and care.