NEW YORK — Hidden within the Native American halls of the American Museum of Natural History is a small wooden doll, known as the Ohtas, or Doll Being, which holds deep cultural significance for the tribes once connected to Manhattan.
For over six months, this ceremonial doll has been concealed as museums across the country, including this prominent institution, have taken important steps to comply with new federal regulations. These rules mandate that museums return sacred or culturally significant items to Indigenous tribes or secure permission for their display and examination.
The Ohtas, also referred to as Nahneetis, is one of approximately 1,800 items currently under review by museum officials. They are working to meet compliance requirements while also planning comprehensive updates to exhibits that have been in place for more than fifty years.
However, tribal leaders have expressed concerns about the pace of progress, citing frustrations from years of tribal advocacy for the return of artifacts held under the federal Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act of 1990.
Joe Baker, a member of the Delaware Tribe of Indians, emphasized the urgency of returning cultural items, stating, “We need them home. We need them close.”
Sean Decatur, president of the museum, has assured tribal representatives that officials will soon reach out to them. He indicated that staff have been reviewing displayed artifacts to facilitate communications with tribal communities.
In addition to the review process, the museum plans to unveil a new exhibit this fall that will showcase Native American perspectives, detailing the history of the closed halls and the rationale behind upcoming changes.
Museum officials envision a significant renovation of the Eastern Woodlands and Great Plains halls, similar to the recent $19 million restoration of the Northwest Coast Hall, which was completed with tribal collaboration.
“The ultimate aim is to make sure we’re getting the stories right,” Decatur stated.
Lance Gumbs, vice chairman of the Shinnecock Indian Nation, expressed concerns about the ongoing absence of local tribal representation in public exhibitions, warning that these closures could last for years.
Gumbs highlighted the American Museum of Natural History’s critical role in New York’s tourism and education for local students, urging the use of replicas crafted by Native peoples to preserve sensitive cultural items off display.
“There’s got to be a better way than using artifacts that literally were stolen out of gravesites,” Gumbs said, further advocating for a partnership with Indigenous communities.
Gordon Yellowman, who oversees language and culture for the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes, suggested that museums should consider developing more digital and virtual exhibits.
He noted that his tribes are seeking artifacts like a sketchbook by the Cheyenne warrior Little Finger Nail, which contains significant historical illustrations dating back to 1879.
As museums nationwide explore various approaches to returning items, the Field Museum in Chicago has established a Center for Repatriation and has taken steps to return tribal artifacts, while the Cleveland Museum of Art has reopened displays in collaboration with Indigenous leadership.
Chuck Hoskin, chief of the Cherokee Nation, emphasized a growing understanding among institutions about the need to respect Indigenous history and artifacts that have long been relegated to the status of curiosities.
As conversations continue regarding the Ohtas, Baker maintains that the ceremonial doll should never have been on display alongside mundane items. He described its significance as a living being, stating, “It’s just horrific” to think of it confined in a static display for so long.
Discussions with tribal representatives concerning the doll began in 2021, underscoring the commitment to restore cultural heritage despite the complexities involved in federal regulations.
