Tougher Tribal Antiquities Legislation Comes Under Criticism

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A push for federal legislation that would prohibit Native American items protected by U.S. laws from being exported to international markets has come under scrutiny from dealers and collectors as tribal leaders try to defend the proposals. At a press conference Friday, Gov. Kurt Riley of Acoma Pueblo said misconceptions about the proposals in Congress have led to fears that dealers who collect and sell tribal antiquities will have to relinquish their entire inventories. He says there is also a misconception that the proposals will prohibit the export of all U.S. tribal art and antiques. A proposed resolution introduced by Rep. Steve Pearce urges federal agencies to seek the return of certain tribal items from international auction houses. Legislation proposed by Sen. Martin Heinrich seeks stiffer penalties for stealing and trafficking tribal religious and cultural objects.