What Is The Current State Of Repatriation Efforts For The Tlingit Clan At.óow, Or House Masks, Which Were Forcibly Removed From Their Ancestral Villages In The 19th Century And Are Now Scattered Across Various Institutions, Including The Smithsonian's National Museum Of The American Indian And The Alaska State Museum, And How Can I, As A Curator, Facilitate The Return Of These Culturally Sensitive Objects While Also Ensuring Their Preservation And Educational Significance For Future Generations?

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Repatriation of Tlingit Clan at.óow: A Curatorial Approach

1. Understanding Repatriation Context:

  • Repatriation involves returning cultural items to their communities of origin, addressing historical injustices and respecting Indigenous rights.
  • The Tlingit clan's at.óow are sacred and culturally significant, taken during colonization, adding historical trauma.

2. Legal Framework:

  • NAGPRA (1990) mandates repatriation of certain items to federally recognized tribes. The Tlingit are federally recognized, so museums must consider their requests.

3. Current State of Repatriation:

  • Research ongoing efforts through recent news or publications. Institutions like the Smithsonian and Alaska State Museum may have existing processes.

4. Curatorial Role and Steps:

a. Documentation: - Compile detailed records, provenance, and historical context. Identify unethical acquisition methods.

b. Community Engagement: - Contact Tlingit representatives through tribal offices or cultural organizations to build trust and understand their protocols.

c. Legal Process: - Determine if at.óow qualify under NAGPRA as sacred objects or cultural patrimony. Prepare for repatriation unless legally prohibited.

d. Preservation and Transportation: - Ensure careful handling and conservation. Respect Tlingit wishes on post-repatriation treatment.

e. Digitization for Education: - Use 3D scanning or high-res photography to maintain educational access while returning physical items.

f. Educational Programs: - Develop exhibits and programs to share the history, impact of removal, and repatriation process, promoting awareness and healing.

g. Alternative Arrangements: - Consider long-term loans or collaborative management if repatriation isn't feasible.

h. Funding: - Seek grants from cultural or tribal organizations to support repatriation and education efforts.

5. Ethical Considerations:

  • Adhere to museum ethics codes, emphasizing respect for Indigenous heritage and community involvement.

6. Challenges and Solutions:

  • Address potential issues like incomplete documentation or institutional resistance through strong community relationships and adaptability.

Conclusion:

  • Prioritize respect, collaboration, and ethical practices. Engage with the Tlingit community, follow legal processes, and use digitization and education to preserve cultural heritage while promoting healing and understanding.