NAGPRA Quantified: What Empirical Analyses of Artifact Repatriations Can Tell Us
Ceara Horsley (Department of English)
This paper analyzes the overall long term repatriation patterns from the inception of NAGPRA in
1990 through 2009. It will also focus on a detailed analysis of specific artifacts repatriated from
2007 to 2009 and how these years fit within the overall history. Does the data reveal
inequalities among the repatriations? Are some items more likely to be repatriated than
others? This research is the only quantitative analysis of NAGPRA repatriations to date. The
results can be used to accurately approach questions of consequences, overall effectiveness and
compliance with the act.