Natural History museum in New York closing exhibits with Native American objects

The American Museum of Natural History in New York is closing its exhibits of Native American artifacts due to new federal regulations.

Museum Director Sean M. Decatur sent the following letter to staff: new Regulations that include “expanding consultation and consent requirements for the display and study of artifacts.”

“As we work to better understand how to make the necessary changes, we expect there will be disruption to established practices and uncertainty,” Decatur wrote in the letter. “There are also great opportunities to deepen our relationships with Indigenous communities.” .

The new Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) regulations “clarify and improve a systematic process for the disposition or repatriation of Native American remains, burial objects, sacred objects, or cultural heritage.” ,” the State Department said. interior.

As part of the regulations, museums are required to obtain consent from Native American tribes before displaying certain items.

Starting this Saturday, Decatur said the museum will “close two halls dedicated to the indigenous cultures of North America, Eastern Woodlands Hall and Great Plains Hall, to visitors and staff.”

“Both halls exhibit artifacts that may require consent for display under the new NAGPRA regulations,” Decatur continued. “The number of cultural artifacts on display in these halls is huge, and these exhibits are also very outdated, so closing down the halls rather than simply covering or removing certain items is important. We have decided.”

The new restrictions on Native American exhibits come amid growing pressure on museums to repatriate cultural artifacts and antiques stolen or smuggled from foreign countries.

In June 2022, the Smithsonian Institution's Board of Directors voted to return to Nigeria the Benin bronzes that were taken during British raids on Benin City in the late 19th century. That same year, the Smithsonian adopted a new ethical return policy that allows each Smithsonian museum to return collections under certain circumstances “based on ethical considerations.”