Where Words Mean as Much as Objects- Apaches' Dispute with American Museum of Natural History

A blessing staff from the Tonto Apache tribe in Arizona.

August 19, 2013.
"Four years ago, the American Museum of Natural History agreed to return to the Apaches 77 objects from its collection, including headwear, feathers, bows and arrows, medicine rings and satchels containing crystals and charms.

But none of the items have gone back because of an unusual, if persistent, disagreement with representatives of the Apaches over whether the museum will officially designate the items as sacred relics that should never have been taken."-Tom Mashberg, The New York Times

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