The Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology at Harvard University plans to return a sacred object, an akua hulu manu (feathered god image) from Hawai`i, to the lineal descendant under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). The object, which has a historical connection to Kamehameha I, may be repatriated starting April 28, 2025. The notice allows for additional repatriation requests from other lineal descendants or affiliated tribes, and if there are competing requests, the museum will determine the most appropriate recipient. This notice was issued by the National Park Service as part of its administrative duties under NAGPRA.
Simple Explanation
The Peabody Museum at Harvard University wants to give back a special Hawaiian feathered god image to its rightful owner, but they're not sure who will get it yet because there might be more people who want it too. They're going to start deciding who gets it at the end of April 2025.