Notice of Inventory Completion for Native American Human Remains, Associated Funerary Objects, and Unassociated Funerary Objects in the Possession of the National Park Service, Chaco Culture National Historical Park, Nageezi, NM

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

National Park Service

Notice of Inventory Completion for Native American Human Remains,

Associated Funerary Objects, and Unassociated Funerary Objects in the

Possession of the National Park Service, Chaco Culture National

Historical Park, Nageezi, NM

AGENCY: National Park Service

ACTION: Notice

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Notice is hereby given in accordance with provisions of the Native

American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), 43 CFR 10.9,

of the completion of an inventory of human remains, associated funerary

objects, and unassociated funerary objects in the possession and

control of the National Park Service, Chaco Culture National Historical

Park, Nageezi, NM.

A detailed assessment of the human remains, associated funerary

objects, and unassociated funerary objects was made by National Park

Service professional staff in consultation with representatives of the

Hopi Tribe of Arizona; Navajo Nation of Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah;

Pueblo of Acoma; Pueblo of Cochiti, New Mexico; Pueblo of Isleta, New

Mexico; Pueblo of Jemez, New Mexico; Pueblo of Laguna, New Mexico;

Pueblo of Nambe, New Mexico; Pueblo of Picuris, New Mexico; Pueblo of

Pojoaque, New Mexico; Pueblo of San Felipe, New Mexico; Pueblo of San

Juan, New Mexico; Pueblo of Sandia, New Mexico; Pueblo of Santa Ana,

New Mexico; Pueblo of Taos, New Mexico; Pueblo of Tesuque, New Mexico;

Pueblo of Zia, New Mexico; Southern Ute Indian Tribe of the Southern

Ute Reservation, Colorado; Ute Mountain Tribe of the Ute Mountain

Reservation, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah; and the Zuni Tribe of the

Zuni Reservation, New Mexico. The Jicarilla Apache Tribe of the

Jicarilla Apache Indian Reservation, New Mexico; Pueblo of San

Ildefonso, New Mexico; Pueblo of Santa Clara, New Mexico; Pueblo of

Santo Domingo, New Mexico; and Ysleta Del Sur Pueblo of Texas were

invited to consult, but did not participate.

In 1956, human remains representing one individual were recovered

during legally authorized National Park Service ruin stabilization

excavations at Kin Ya'a (29Mc 108), a site within park boundaries. No

known individual was identified. The eleven associated funerary objects

include four textile fragments, two wooden artifacts, four yucca cords,

and one pottery bowl.

On the basis of archeological context, architecture, ceramics, and

dendrochronology, this site and the human remains are dated to Pueblo

III (A.D. 1100-1300).

In 1967, human remains representing one individual were recovered

during legally authorized National Park Service ruin stabilization

excavations at Pueblo Pintado (29Mc 166), a site within park

boundaries. No known individual was identified. No funerary objects are

associated with this individual.

On the basis of archeological context, diagnostic artifacts, and

dendrochronology samples, the major occupation of the site and these

human remains have been dated to Pueblo II-Pueblo III (A.D. 900-1300).

In 1971, human remains representing one individual were recovered

from the surface during a legally authorized National Park Service

archeological survey of 29SJ 178, a site within park boundaries. This

site was not excavated. No known individual was identified. No

associated funerary objects were present.

No field notes are associated with these human remains. There was

evidence of Archaic occupation, and Basketmaker III and Pueblo II

ceramics were present at the site. On this basis, these human remains

may date to any of these periods (pre A.D. 1; A.D. 500-700; 900-1100).

In 1973, human remains representing 14 individuals were recovered

during legally authorized National Park Service excavations at 29SJ

299, a site within park boundaries. No known individuals were

identified. One individual was accompanied by eight small dog bones.

The site and human remains are dated to Basketmaker III-Pueblo III

(A.D. 500-1300) on the basis of archeological context and ceramics.

In 1972, human remains representing one individual were recovered

from the surface during a legally authorized National Park Service

archeological survey of 29SJ 352, a site within park boundaries. No

known individual was identified. No associated funerary objects were

present.

Based on archeological context, architecture, and ceramics, this

site and human remains are dated to Pueblo III (A.D. 1100-1300).

Between 1976 and 1979, human remains representing 21 individuals

were recovered during legally authorized National Park Service

excavations at Pueblo Alto (29SJ 389), a site within park boundaries.

No known individuals were identified. The four associated funerary

objects are chipped stone flakes.

The site and the human remains date to A.D. 900-1300 on the basis

of archeological context, diagnostic artifacts, dendrochronology and

archaeomagnetic dating.

In 1979, human remains representing one individual were recovered

during a legally authorized National Park Service archeological

investigation undertaken prior to the backfilling of Una Vida (29SJ

391), a site within park boundaries. No known individual was

identified. No associated funerary objects were present.

Una Vida and these human remains are dated to Pueblo II-Early

Pueblo III (A.D. 900-1150) on the basis of archeological context and

dendrochronology.

In 1983, human remains representing one individual were recovered

during a legally authorized National Park Service archeological

investigation undertaken as part of an historic structures report of

Kin Nahasbas (29SJ 392), a site within park boundaries. On the surface

of an anthill, a partial human tooth representing a single individual

was recovered from a collection of prehistoric chipped stone flakes. No

known individual was identified. No associated funerary objects were

present.

On the basis of diagnostic artifacts recovered from the Kin

Nahasbas, the human remains may date to Late Pueblo II (A.D. 1000-

1100).

In 1951, human remains representing eight individuals were

recovered during legally authorized National Park Service ruin

stabilization excavations at Kin Kletso (29SJ 393), a site within park

boundaries. No known individuals were identified. The six associated

funerary objects are pottery bowls.

Kin Kletso and these human remains are dated by archeological

context, architecture, dendrochronology, and ceramics to Pueblo III

(A.D. 1100-1300).

In 1950, human remains representing three individuals were

recovered during legally authorized National Park Service ruin

stabilization excavations at Bc 50 (29SJ 394), a site within park

boundaries. No known individuals were identified. No associated

funerary objects were present.

On the basis of archeological context, architecture, and ceramics,

this site and the human remains date to Pueblo II-Early Pueblo III

(A.D. 900-1150).

In 1940, human remains representing seven individuals were

recovered during legally authorized excavations

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conducted by the University of New Mexico at 29SJ 396 (Bc 53), a site

within park boundaries. No known individuals were identified. No

associated funerary objects were present.

On the basis of archeological context, architecture, and ceramics,

this site and the human remains date to Late Pueblo II-Early Pueblo III

(A.D. 1000-1150).

In 1950, human remains representing 43 individuals were recovered

during legally authorized National Park Service ruin stabilization

excavations at 29SJ 399 (Bc 59), a site within park boundaries. No

known individuals were identified. Chaco Culture NHP currently has in

its possession human remains representing 26 of the 43 individuals

originally recovered from Bc 59. Additionally, Chaco Culture NHP

possesses 52 of the 55 originally recovered associated funerary objects

from Bc 59, including 13 pottery bowls and bowl fragments, ten

pitchers, two jars, three ladle fragments, eleven sherds, seven mineral

artifacts, two stone artifacts, one bone artifact, one jet and shell

bead necklace, and two effigy vessel fragments. Three bowl fragments

are missing.

On the basis of archeological context, ceramics, and architecture,

this site, and these human remains are dated to Pueblo II-Early Pueblo

III (A.D. 900-1150).

In 1973, human remains representing six individuals were recovered

during legally authorized National Park Service excavations at 29SJ

423, a site within park boundaries. No known individuals were

identified. A single burial contained two associated funerary objects,

which included a black-on-white bowl and a slate bead.

On the basis of archeological context and ceramics, the burial

containing associated funerary objects is dated to Pueblo III. The

human remains with no funerary objects have been dated to Basketmaker

III (A.D.500-700) on the basis of archeological context,

dendrochronology, ceramics, and architecture.

In 1967, human remains representing one individual were recovered

during legally authorized National Park Service salvage excavations at

Gallo Cliff Dwelling (29SJ 540), a site within park boundaries. No

known individual was identified. No associated funerary objects were

present.

Gallo Cliff Dwelling and the human remains are dated to Pueblo III

(A.D. 1100-1300) on the basis of archeological context, ceramics, and

architecture.

In 1972, human remains representing two individuals were recovered

from the surface during a legally authorized National Park Service

archeological survey of 29SJ 563, a site within park boundaries. No

known individuals were identified. The 15 associated funerary objects

include three fragments of a basketry pillow, three textile fragments,

one sandal fragment, one sherd, three matting fragments, one cordage

segment, one corn cob and two pieces of unidentified vegetal material.

Based on archeological context and ceramics, this site and these

human remains are dated to Pueblo I-Early Pueblo III (A.D. 700-1150).

In 1958, human remains representing two individuals were recovered

during legally authorized National Park Service ruin stabilization

excavations at 29SJ 589, a site within park boundaries. No known

individuals were identified. The two associated funerary objects

include one pottery bowl and one sherd.

On the basis of archeological context, ceramics, and

archaeomagnetic samples, the site have been dated to Late Pueblo III

(A.D. 1150-1300).

In 1980-1982, human remains representing 13 individuals were

recovered during legally authorized National Park Service mitigation

trenching excavations prior to road construction at 29SJ 597, a site

within park boundaries. No known individuals were identified. The 47

funerary objects include one pottery corrugated jar, one botanical

specimen inside the pitcher, 44 sherds, and one piece of matting.

On the basis of archeological context and ceramics, this site and

these human remains are dated to Pueblo III (A.D. 1100-1300).

In 1939, human remains representing 12 individuals were recovered

during legally authorized National Park Service salvage excavations in

preparation for the construction of a Civil Conservation Corps camp at

29SJ 625 (Three-C Site), a site within park boundaries. No known

individuals were identified. Eight associated funerary objects were

present and include four pottery bowls, three jars, and one pitcher.

The Three-C Site has been dated by archeological context, ceramics,

and architecture to mid-Pueblo I-Early Pueblo II (A.D. 800-1000).

In 1982, human remains representing eight individuals were

recovered during legally authorized National Park Service excavations

at 29SJ 626, a site within park boundaries. No known individuals were

identified. The 36 associated funerary objects include one pottery

bowl, one pitcher, one metate fragment, one effigy vessel, 30 sherds,

and three chipped stone.

Based on archeological context, ceramics, and architecture, this

site and these human remains are dated to Pueblo II (A.D. 900-1100).

In 1974 and 1975, human remains representing 25 individuals were

recovered during legally authorized National Park Service excavations

at 29SJ 627, a site within park boundaries. No known individuals were

identified. The 186 associated funerary objects include five pottery

bowls, one pitcher, one miniature jar, one ladle fragment, 110 sherds,

eleven projectile points, 28 chipped stone, two lithic specimens, ten

mineral specimens, one turquoise piece, one bone artifact, six

concretions, four manos, one ground stone, two hammerstones, and two

burial matting fragments.

On the basis of archeological context, ceramics, and

archaeomagnetic samples, these human remains and associated funerary

objects are dated to the Late Pueblo II period (A.D. 1000-1100).

In 1973, human remains representing eight individuals were

recovered during legally authorized National Park Service excavations

at 29SJ 628, a site within park boundaries. No known individuals were

identified. No funerary objects were present.

On the basis of archeological context, architecture, and

archaeomagnetic samples, this site and these human remains have been

dated to Basketmaker III-Pueblo I (A.D. 500-900).

In 1975 and 1976, human remains representing 14 individuals were

recovered during legally authorized National Park Service excavations

at 29SJ 629, a site within park boundaries. No known individuals were

identified. The 38 associated funerary objects include one selenite

specimen, 19 chipped stone, and 18 sherds.

Based on archeological context, ceramics, architecture, and a

variety of chronometric samples, this site and these human remains are

dated to Late Pueblo I-mid Pueblo III (A.D. 875-1200).

In 1975, human remains representing one individual were recovered

during legally authorized National Park Service test excavations at

29SJ 630, a site within park boundaries. No known individual was

identified. No associated funerary objects were present.

The site of 29SJ 630 and these human remains are dated to Late

Pueblo II-Pueblo III (A.D. 1000-1300) on the basis of archeological

context, ceramics, and architecture.

In 1978, human remains representing 28 individuals were recovered

during legally authorized National Park Service test excavations that

were conducted as part of an evaluation of remote sensing technique at

29SJ 633, a site within park boundaries. No known individuals were

identified. The 51 associated funerary objects include four burial

slabs, one pottery bowl fragment, 28 sherds, three

[[Page 12346]]

ladle fragments, one corn cob fragment, four chipped stone, three

ground stone, one bone artifact, one mineral specimen, one turquoise

fragment, two twine fragments, one mushroom cap, and bones from one

hawk.

This site and the human remains are dated to Late Pueblo II-Early

Pueblo III (A.D. 1000-1150) on the basis of archeological context,

archaeomagnetic samples, and ceramics.

In 1973, human remains representing one individual were recovered

from a kiva during legally authorized National Park Service excavations

at 29SJ 721, a site within park boundaries. No known individual was

identified. No associated funerary objects were present.

The kiva and the human remains are dated to Pueblo III (A.D. 1100-

1300) based on archeological context, ceramic, and architecture.

In 1964, human remains representing two individuals were recovered

during legally authorized National Park Service salvage excavations at

29SJ 827, a site within park boundaries. No known individuals were

identified. The four associated funerary objects include two pottery

bowls, one pitcher, and one jar.

On the basis of archeological context and ceramics, these human

remains are dated to Late Pueblo II-Early Pueblo III (A.D. 1000-1150).

In 1976, human remains representing three individuals were

recovered from an Archaic midden during legally authorized National

Park Service excavations at Atlatl Cave (29SJ 1156), a site within park

boundaries. No known individuals were identified. No associated

funerary objects were present.

On the basis of archeological context and radiocarbon dating, the

midden and these human remains are dated to the Archaic period (2900

B.C.-A.D. 1).

In 1976, human remains representing one individual were recovered

during legally authorized National Park Service excavations at Sleeping

Dune (29SJ 1157), a site within park boundaries. No known individual

was identified. No associated funerary objects were present.

Sleeping Dune consists of an extended hearth area and two dunes

with cultural material and is interpreted as an early campsite

contemporaneous with Atlatl Cave. The human remains cannot be directly

dated, but Sleeping Dune has been radiocarbon-dated to the Archaic and

Basketmaker periods (2900 B.C.-A.D. 500).

In 1972, human remains representing one individual were recovered

during a legally authorized National Park Service archeological survey

of 29SJ 1242, a site within park boundaries. No known individual was

identified. No associated funerary objects were present.

Based on surface ceramics, this site and the human remains are

dated to Pueblo I-Early Pueblo II (A.D. 700-1000).

In 1972, human remains representing one individual were recovered

from the surface during a legally authorized National Park Service

archeological survey of 29SJ 1272, a site within park boundaries. No

known individual was identified. No associated funerary objects were

present.

Based on surface ceramics and architecture, this site and the human

remains are dated to Pueblo II-Pueblo III (A.D. 900-1300).

In 1974, human remains representing 12 individuals were recovered

during legally authorized National Park Service excavations at 29SJ

1360, a site within park boundaries. No known individuals were

identified. The nine funerary objects include one bead necklace, one

matting fragment, two grinding slabs, two projectile points, one sherd,

one adobe impression, and the remains of one dog.

On the basis of archeological context, diagnostic artifacts

recovered from the site, as well as architecture and archeomagnetic

dating, the site and human remains are dated to the Pueblo II period

(A.D. 900-1100).

In 1972, human remains representing one individual were recovered

during a legally authorized National Park Service archeological survey

of 29SJ 1396, a site within park boundaries. No known individual was

identified. The 24 associated funerary objects include 23 sherds and

one shell bead.

Based on the archeological context and ceramics, this site and the

human remains are dated to Pueblo II-Early Pueblo III (A.D. 900-1150).

In 1966, human remains representing one individual were recovered

during legally authorized National Park Service ruin stabilization

excavations at Kin Bineola (29SJ 1580), a site within park boundaries.

No known individual was identified. No associated funerary objects were

present.

On the basis of archeological context, ceramics, and architecture,

this site and the human remains are dated to Pueblo II-Pueblo III (A.D.

900-1300).

In 1972, human remains representing one individual were recovered

from under a boulder overhang on the talus slope in front of a

rockshelter (site 29SJ 1629) during a legally authorized National Park

Service archeological survey within park boundaries. No known

individual was identified. The five associated funerary objects include

one pottery ladle fragment, one canteen, two cordage fragments, and one

matting fragment.

Based on the archeological context and ceramics, this site and the

human remains are dated to Pueblo II (A.D. 900-1100).

In 1967, human remains representing one individual were recovered

during legally authorized National Park Service salvage excavations of

the eastern segment of Half House (29SJ 1657), a site within park

boundaries. No known individual was identified. No associated funerary

objects were present.

The eastern segment of Half House and the human remains have been

dated to Basketmaker III (A.D. 500-700), based on archeological

context, architecture, and ceramics.

In 1960, human remains representing eight individuals were

recovered during legally authorized National Park Service ruin

stabilization excavations at Lizard House (29SJ 1912), a site within

park boundaries. No known individuals were identified. No associated

funerary objects were present.

On the basis of archeological context, architecture, ceramics, and

dendrochronology this site and the eight individuals have been dated to

Late Pueblo II-Early Pueblo III (A.D. 1000-1150).

In 1950, human remains representing one individual were recovered

during legally authorized ruin stabilization excavations by the

National Park Service at Chetro Ketl (29SJ 1928), a site within park

boundaries. No known individual was identified. No associated funerary

objects were present.

This site and these human remains are dated to Pueblo II-Pueblo III

(A.D. 900-1300) on the basis of ceramics, architecture, and

dendrochronology.

In 1933, human remains representing one individual were recovered

during legally authorized University of New Mexico excavations at Talus

Unit 1 (29SJ 1930), a site within park boundaries. No known individual

was identified. The ten associated funerary objects include eight

sherds, one pottery bowl fragment, and one faunal specimen.

On the basis of archeological context, architecture, and

dendrochronology, Talus Unit 1 and these human remains are dated to

Late Pueblo II-Pueblo III (A.D. 1000-1300).

In 1959, human remains representing one individual were recovered

during legally authorized National Park Service ruin stabilization

excavations at Talus Unit 1 (29SJ 1930), a site within park boundaries.

No known individual was identified. No associated funerary objects were

present.

[[Page 12347]]

On the basis of archeological context, architecture, and

dendrochronology, Talus Unit 1 and these human remains are dated to

Late Pueblo II-Pueblo III (A.D. 1000-1300).

In 1980, human remains representing one individual were recovered

during legally authorized National Park Service archeological testing

at Pueblo del Arroyo (29SJ 1947), a site within park boundaries. No

known individual was identified. No associated funerary objects were

present.

These human remains have been dated to Early Pueblo III on the

basis of archeological context, architecture, dendrochronology, and

ceramics (A.D. 1100-1150).

In 1950, human remains representing one individual were recovered

during legally authorized National Park Service ruin stabilization

excavations at Pueblo del Arroyo (29SJ 1947), a site within park

boundaries. No known individual was identified. The five associated

funerary objects include the remains of two dogs, one turkey, and two

unidentified mammals.

This site and these human remains have been dated to Late Pueblo

II-Early Pueblo III (A.D. 1000-1150) on the basis of archeological

context, architecture, dendrochronology, and ceramics.

In 1978, human remains representing three individuals were

recovered during legally authorized excavations of a small site (SJC

265) near Kin Ya'a, a site within park boundaries. No known individuals

were identified. The 16 associated funerary objects include 15 sherds

and one chipped stone.

Based on the archeological context and ceramics, this site and

these human remains are dated to Pueblo II-Pueblo III (A.D. 900-1300).

In 1933, human remains representing one individual were recovered

during legally authorized NPS excavations of a cavity in the cliff wall

behind Kin Kletso, a site within park boundaries. No known individual

was identified. No associated funerary objects were present.

On the basis of archeological context and ceramics, this site and

the human remains date to Pueblo II-Pueblo III (A.D. 900-1300).

In 1966, human remains representing three individuals were

recovered from one or two unknown sites within park boundaries during

the legally authorized National Park Service Wilderness Study Site

Survey directed by National Park Service ranger George Buckingham. No

known individuals were identified. The 165 associated funerary objects

include two pottery bowls, 135 sherds, one ladle fragment, 18 chipped

stone, one turquoise piece, and eight mineral specimens. .

The documentation for these human remains and associated funerary

objects is poor, and site locations and object associations cannot be

established. Based on the ceramic funerary objects, these human remains

are dated to Pueblo I-Pueblo III (A.D. 700-1300).

At some point prior to 1958, human remains representing three

individuals were accessioned by Chaco Canyon National Monument. There

is no information regarding how the material in this accession was

collected or by whom. No known individuals were identified. One

individual was accompanied by five associated funerary objects, which

include one turquoise bead blank, two sherds, and two bark pieces.

These human remains are believed to have come from burials in Chaco

Canyon, but there is no documentation on this. The examining

osteologist believes this individual dates to the Basketmaker period

(A.D. 1-700). There were no associated funerary objects with the other

two individuals, but based on cranial deformation, it is believed these

human remains date to the prehistoric occupation of Chaco Canyon (pre-

A.D. 1300).

In 1966, human remains representing one individual were discovered

in the archaeological material on hand at Chaco Culture NHP. No known

individual was identified. There were no associated funerary objects.

There is no information on this single human molar, but it is

believed to have come from Chaco Canyon. No date can be assigned to

these human remains, but the condition and wear of the molar indicate

it is prehistoric and most likely dates to the period of Chacoan

occupation (pre-A.D. 1300).

In 1971, human remains representing one individual were recovered

during the legally authorized Chaco Canyon Water Control Project from

an unspecified location in Rinconada Canal, a site within park

boundaries. No known individual was identified. No associated funerary

objects were present.

Although no date can be assigned to these human remains, the

archeological context supports the conclusion that these human remains

are prehistoric and most likely date to the Pueblo I-III periods (A.D.

700-1300).

In 1978, human remains representing one individual were recovered

by a visitor from the Chaco Wash, near the east boundary fence. No

known individual was identified. No associated funerary objects were

present.

No date can be assigned to these human remains, but the condition

and wear of the human remains indicate they are prehistoric and most

likely date to the period of Chacoan occupation (pre-A.D. 1300).

Prior to 1980, human remains representing one individual were

recovered by NPS personnel at Chaco Culture NHP. No known individual

was identified. No associated funerary objects were present. Although

no date can be assigned to these human remains, their recovery from

Chaco Canyon and their fragile condition suggest they date to the

prehistoric occupation (pre-A.D. 1300).

In 1982, human remains of one individual were discovered in a box

retrieved from the middle of the Mockingbird Road, a site within park

boundaries. No known individual was identified. No associated funerary

objects were present.

The Mockingbird Road had been used by the National Park Service as

a temporary storage area for artifacts collected from sites in Chaco

Canyon. It is not known from which site these human remains were

originally recovered, but it is believed that the human remains are

from the prehistoric occupation of Chaco Canyon (pre- A.D. 1300).

In 1985, human remains representing two individuals recovered from

an unknown location in Chaco Canyon were accessioned into the Chaco

Culture NHP collection. The history of the recovery of these human

remains is not known. No known individuals were identified. No

associated funerary objects were present.

An examination of the records suggests these human remains are from

the Kin Kletso (29SJ 393), a site within park boundaries, excavated in

1951 during a legally authorized National Park Service ruin

stabilization project. The published report lists six burials. Chaco

Culture NHP has in its possessions the individuals from burials 1, 3,

4, 5, and 6. Based on the catalog information and the published

description, the two individuals in this accession may be from the

missing Kin Kletso burial 2. Although no date can be assigned to these

two individuals, they are believed to be from the prehistoric

occupation of Chaco Canyon (pre- A.D. 1300).

In 1987, human remains representing three individuals were

accessioned into the Chaco Culture NHP collection. No known individuals

were identified. One individual is described as having been recovered

from the arroyo. No associated funerary objects were present with this

individual. The examining

[[Page 12348]]

osteologist identified the human remains from the arroyo as prehistoric

Chacoan (pre-A.D. 1300). The other two sets of human remains were

described as being from Chaco Canyon. One of these individuals was

accompanied by 13 associated funerary objects, which include 12 sherds

and one corncob fragment. Based on the ceramics, these individuals are

dated to the Pueblo I-III period (A.D. 700-1300).

Prior to 1988, human remains representing one individual were

recovered from an unknown location in Chaco Canyon by a Chaco Culture

NHP park employee or visitor. No known individual was identified. No

associated funerary objects were present. Although no date can be

assigned to these human remains, their recovery from Chaco Canyon and

their fragile condition suggest they date to the prehistoric occupation

(pre-A.D. 1300).

In 1993, human remains representing one individual were transferred

to Chaco Culture NHP from the Florida Bureau of Archeological Research

in Tallahassee, Florida. No known individual was identified. No

associated funerary objects were present.

These human remains were originally donated to the St. Petersburg

Historical Museum in the 1950s. The accompanying tag stated they were

from Chaco Canyon, but there is no information as to a specific

location. Although no date can be assigned to these human remains, the

examining paleo-osteologist in Florida concluded that the human remains

were consistent with prehistoric occupants of Chaco Canyon (pre-A.D.

1300).

In 1950, Chaco Culture NHP received a gift of two unassociated

funerary objects, recovered during legally authorized excavations in

1934 by the University of New Mexico, from 29SJ 1930 (Talus Unit 1) a

site within park boundaries. The two cultural items include two ceramic

bowl fragments, which were described as being from a single burial. No

human remains were present. Although not recorded with any specific

burials, these cultural items are consistent with the cultural items

associated with human remains.

In 1950, 16 unassociated funerary objects were recovered from

burials in three different rooms during legally authorized park

stabilization excavations at 29SJ 395 (Bc 51), a site within park

boundaries. The 16 cultural items include nine complete or partial

ceramic vessels, three fragments of matting, and four mineral

specimens. No human remains were present. Although not recorded with

any specific burials, these cultural items are consistent with the

cultural items associated with human remains.

In 1966, three unassociated funerary objects were recovered during

legally authorized excavations at 29SJ 1912 (Lizard House), a site

within park boundaries. The three cultural items include one bowl

fragment, one axe head, and one projectile point. No human remains were

present. Although not recorded with any specific burials, these

cultural items are consistent with the cultural items associated with

human remains.

Evidence provided by anthropological, archeological, biological,

expert opinion, geographical, historical, kinship, linguistic, and oral

tradition sources were considered in determining the cultural

affiliation of the above listed human remains and associated funerary

objects.

Anthropological literature supports the view of many Puebloan

communities that the San Juan region, which includes Chaco Culture NHP,

belongs to their common ancestral cultural heritage. Archeological

evidence indicates that Puebloan people were in Chaco Canyon since at

least the Basketmaker period (ca. A.D. 1) and, therefore, supports the

affiliation of the above mentioned human remains and associated

funerary objects with many modern Puebloan communities. Continuities in

architecture, ceramics, agricultural practices, food-processing

technology, and rituals from Chaco Canyon's prehistoric settlements,

present-day Pueblos, and Hopi Tribe bolster claims of cultural

affiliation by these communities. Furthermore, anthropological research

indicates that many Puebloan peoples have additional bases for claiming

cultural affiliation with the ancient residents of Chaco Canyon due to

clan migrations, intermarriage, and the regrouping of communities over

time. Linguistic evidence also suggests that modern Keresan speakers

(Pueblos of Acoma, Cochiti, Laguna, San Felipe, Santa Ana, Santo

Domingo, and Zia) originally occupied Chaco Canyon. Additionally, oral

traditions specifically link the Pueblos of Acoma, Laguna, Zia, and

Zuni, as well as the Hopi Tribe, to Chaco Canyon. Furthermore, the

Pueblos of Cochiti, Isleta, San Felipe, Santa Ana, and Santo Domingo

have oral traditions that refer to ``White House'' as an ancestral

place. Some anthropologists maintain that White House was located in

Chaco Canyon. Tribal cultural specialists offered expert opinion to

support the cultural affiliation of the Pueblos of Acoma, Cochiti,

Isleta, Laguna, Nambe, Picturis, Poaque, San Felipe, San Juan, Sandia,

Santa Ana, Taos, Tesuque, Zia and Zuni, and the Hopi the Tribe, to

Chaco Canyon. Similar expert testimony provided by the Jicarilla Apache

Tribe, Pueblo of Jemez, and the Ysleta Del Sur Pueblo indicated that

these three communities are not culturally affiliated with Chaco

Canyon.

In addition to the above listed Pueblos and the Hopi Tribe, the

Navajo Nation was found to be culturally affiliated with the ancient

residents of Chaco Canyon based upon similar sources of evidence.

Anthropological sources indicate extensive intermarriage between Navajo

and Puebloan peoples occurred, and that the Navajo have traditional

ties to the natural and cultural resources of Chaco Canyon.

Additionally, Pueblo cultural traits have been incorporated into Navajo

cosmogony, ritual, and secular practices. Historical evidence places

the Navajo occupation of Chaco Canyon to at least the early 1700s until

1947. It is also known that after the Pueblo revolt of 1680, refugees

from the Pueblos of Jemez, Santa Clara, San Felipe, San Ildefonso,

Cochiti, and Zuni joined the Navajo and were incorporated into their

clan system. During the same period, the Hopi of Awatovi joined the

Navajo in the Chinle area. Geographically, Chaco Canyon is within the

four sacred mountains that define Dinetah territory, and within the

area of Navajo aboriginal use lands established by the Indian Claims

Commission. Oral traditions also link the Navajo to sites within Chaco

Canyon such as Fajada Butte, Pueblo Alto, Pueblo Bonito, and Wijiji, as

well as to the Chacoan sites of Kin Ya'a and Aztec. Finally, Navajo

cultural specialists have also provided expert opinion affirming their

cultural ties to Chaco Canyon. Navajo oral traditions link the Navajo

people to sites within Chaco Canyon, and stories describe their

ancestors interacting with the ``Great Gambler'' in Chaco Canyon when

Puebloan people occupied the area.

Based on the above mentioned information, officials of the National

Park Service have determined that, pursuant to 43 CFR 10.2 (d)(1), the

human remains listed above represent the physical remains of at least

265 individuals of Native American ancestry. National Park Service

officials have also determined that, pursuant to 43 CFR 10.2 (d)(2),

the 722 items listed above are reasonably believed to have been placed

with or near individual human remains at the time of death or later as

part of the death rite or ceremony. Chaco Culture NHP possesses 265

individual human remains out of the 282 originally cataloged into the

collection. Of the 725

[[Page 12349]]

associated funerary objects cataloged into the park's collection, Chaco

Culture NHP currently possesses 722. National Park Service officials

further determined that, pursuant to 43 CFR 10.2 (d)(2)(ii), 21 of the

objects listed above are reasonably believed to have been placed with

or near individual human remains at the time of death or later as part

of the death rite or ceremony and are believed, by a preponderance of

the evidence, to have been removed from a specific burial site of a

Native American individual. Lastly, officials of the National Park

Service have determined that, pursuant to 43 CFR 10.2 (e), there is a

relationship of shared group identity which can be reasonably traced

between these Native American human remains, associated funerary

objects, and unassociated funerary objects and the Hopi Tribe of

Arizona; Navajo Nation of Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah; Pueblo of

Acoma, New Mexico; Pueblo of Cochiti, New Mexico; Pueblo of Isleta, New

Mexico; Pueblo of Laguna, New Mexico; Pueblo of Nambe, New Mexico;

Pueblo of Picuris, New Mexico; Pueblo of Pojoaque, New Mexico; Pueblo

of San Felipe, New Mexico; Pueblo of San Ildefonso, New Mexico; Pueblo

of San Juan, New Mexico; Pueblo of Sandia, New Mexico; Pueblo of Santa

Ana, New Mexico; Pueblo of Santa Clara, New Mexico; Pueblo of Santo

Domingo, New Mexico; Pueblo of Taos, New Mexico; Pueblo of Tesuque, New

Mexico; Pueblo of Zia, New Mexico; and the Zuni Tribe of Zuni

Reservation, New Mexico.

This notice has been sent to officials of the Hopi Tribe of

Arizona; Jicarilla Apache Tribe of the Jicarilla Apache Indian

Reservation, New Mexico; Navajo Nation of Arizona, New Mexico, and

Utah; Pueblo of Acoma, New Mexico; Pueblo of Cochiti, New Mexico;

Pueblo of Isleta, New Mexico; Pueblo of Jemez, New Mexico; Pueblo of

Laguna, New Mexico; Pueblo of Nambe, New Mexico; Pueblo of Picuris, New

Mexico; Pueblo of Pojoaque, New Mexico; Pueblo of San Felipe, New

Mexico; Pueblo of San Ildefonso, New Mexico; Pueblo of San Juan, New

Mexico; Pueblo of Sandia, New Mexico; Pueblo of Santa Ana, New Mexico;

Pueblo of Santa Clara, New Mexico; Pueblo of Santo Domingo, New Mexico;

Pueblo of Taos, New Mexico; Pueblo of Tesuque, New Mexico; Pueblo of

Zia; Southern Ute Indian Tribe of the Southern Ute Reservation,

Colorado; Ute Mountain Tribe of the Ute Mountain Reservation, Colorado,

New Mexico, and Utah; Ysleta del Sur Pueblo of Texas; and the Zuni

Tribe of the Zuni Reservation, New Mexico. Representatives of any other

Indian tribe that believes itself to be culturally affiliated with

these human remains, associated funerary objects, and unassociated

funerary objects should contact Mr. C.T. Wilson, Superintendent, Chaco

Culture National Historical Park, P.O. Box 220, Nageezi, NM 87037-0220;

telephone: (505) 786-7014, before April 12, 1999. Repatriation of the

human remains, associated funerary objects, and unassociated funerary

objects to the Hopi Tribe of Arizona; Navajo Nation of Arizona, New

Mexico, and Utah; Pueblo of Acoma, New Mexico; Pueblo of Cochiti, New

Mexico; Pueblo of Isleta, New Mexico; Pueblo of Laguna, New Mexico;

Pueblo of Nambe, New Mexico; Pueblo of Picuris, New Mexico; Pueblo of

Pojoaque, New Mexico; Pueblo of San Felipe, New Mexico; Pueblo of San

Ildefonso, New Mexico; Pueblo of San Juan, New Mexico; Pueblo of

Sandia, New Mexico; Pueblo of Santa Ana, New Mexico; Pueblo of Santa

Clara, New Mexico; Pueblo of Santo Domingo, New Mexico; Pueblo of Taos,

New Mexico; Pueblo of Tesuque, New Mexico; Pueblo of Zia, New Mexico;

and the Zuni Tribe of the Zuni Reservation, New Mexico may begin after

that date if no additional claimants come forward.

Dated: March 8, 1999.

Francis P. McManamon,

Departmental Consulting Archeologist,

Manager, Archeology and Ethnography Program.

[FR Doc. 99-6111 Filed 3-11-99; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4310-70-F