Pa. museum to release 8 items to Alaska tribe

JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) – An Alaska tribe is planning to recover eight artifacts from the Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology.

The cultural objects including masks, a drum, headdress and robe are being returned to the Hoonah T'akdeintaan clan of Hoonah. The federally recognized tribe is seeking the return of another 42 artifacts from the Pennsylvania museum.

Rosita Worl, president of the Sealaska Heritage Institute, says no decision has been made by the museum about returning the 42 objects. The institute is among organizations assisting in the repatriation effort.

The Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Review Committee reviewed the requests and recommended the return of the entire collection.