Secretary Jewell Announces Return of Native American Funerary Objects and Human Remains to Fallon Paiute Shoshone Indian Tribe
You are viewing ARCHIVED content published online before January 20, 2025. Please note that this content is NOT UPDATED, and links may not work. Additionally, any previously issued diversity, equity, inclusion or gender-related guidance on this webpage should be considered rescinded. For current information, visit https://www.doi.gov/news/newsroom
Objects and remains found in Spirit Cave, Nevada
Date: November 23, 2016
Contact: Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov
Steve Clutter, sclutter@blm.gov; (775) 861-6629
RENO, Nev. – The Department of the Interior announced today that effective November 18, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) transferred control of human remains and funerary objects found in Spirit Cave, Nevada to the Fallon Paiute Shoshone Indian Tribe.
This transfer means that the Fallon Paiute Shoshone, which is the closest Tribe living on aboriginal lands near the known burial site, now has full legal control and may take permanent possession of the Spirit Cave Assemblage.
“Returning the remains and objects found at Spirit Cave to the Fallon Paiute Shoshone Tribe is an example of the Administration’s commitment to work with Native American governments in coming together to resolve issues,” said U.S. Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell. “I am pleased that these remains are being returned to where they rightfully belong.”
“The BLM has consulted extensively with the Fallon Paiute Shoshone Tribe in recent years regarding the Spirit Cave Assemblage,” said BLM Director Neil Kornze. “We are pleased that we have found resolution for transfer of the remains and objects and are able to hand over these important cultural items to the Tribe.”
Spirit Cave was located by archaeologists Sydney and Georgia Wheeler in 1940 during salvage excavations conducted by the Nevada State Parks Commission east of Fallon, Nevada. The human remains of four individuals, dating from 5,400 to 10,600 years ago, and 10 associated funerary objects, known as the Spirit Cave Assemblage, were found in the cave, and are being curated at the Nevada State Museum in Carson City, Nevada.
In the mid-1990s, the Nevada State Museum had textile samples from the Spirit Cave Assemblage analyzed for radiocarbon dating. The results indicated an age in excess of 10,000 years for one set of the burials, a mummified set of remains now believed to be one of the oldest in North America.
- Press Release07/07/2025
Interior Proposes Updates to Commingling Rules to Boost Energy Production and Efficiency
Read moreThe Department of the Interior is proposing critical updates to Bureau of Land Management oil and gas regulations that would make it easier for operators to combine production from multiple leases—a practice known as commingling.
- Press Release06/17/2025
Department of the Interior Moves to Expand Oil and Gas Development in Alaska’s National Petroleum…
Read moreThe Department of the Interior today announced a new step to support American energy independence and unleash the vast resource potential of Alaska’s National Petroleum Reserve.
- Press Release06/03/2025
Interior Slashes Outdated Energy Regulations to Boost Economic Growth on Public Lands
Read moreThe Department of the Interior today announced the formal rescission of 18 obsolete or redundant Bureau of Land Management regulations in a decisive move to advance America’s energy independence and economic vitality.