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Photo courtesy of the Southern Ute Archives
Photo courtesy of the Southern Ute Archives
Denver museum to return sacred item to Ute Tribe
Associated Press //June 17, 2025//
DENVER — The Denver Museum of Nature & Science plans to repatriate a sacred hair ornament to the Southern Ute Indian Tribe of the Southern Ute Reservation in Colorado.
In Brief:
- Denver museum to return sacred hair ornament to Ute Tribe
- Item is used in Native American religious ceremonies
- Originally owned by Southern Ute leader Buckskin Charley
- Repatriation follows federal NAGPRA guidelines
The object, identified as a sacred item, is used in traditional Native American religious practices and is culturally affiliated with the Southern Ute Indian Tribe. The ornament measures about four inches in diameter and features a triangular beaded design, a silver concha and bear claws.
Originally owned by Buckskin Charley, a prominent Southern Ute leader, the ornament changed hands several times before it was donated to the museum in 1968.
The repatriation follows procedures outlined by the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, or NAGPRA.
The return of the item may occur on or after July 17, 2025, to allow time for any additional claims by other lineal descendants or culturally affiliated tribes. If competing claims are made, the museum will determine the most appropriate recipient, with joint requests treated as a single claim.
