Navajos Win Bidding War to Buy Back Sacred Artifacts

After failing to stop an auction of artifacts held sacred by their tribe and others, members of the Navajo Nation outbid art collectors to win the objects in Paris this week. The auction was conducted despite efforts by the tribes and US government officials, who requested that the sale be postponed until the items’ provenance was determined. The artifacts include several Navajo ceremonial masks dating to the 19th and early 20th century, as well as dolls used in rituals of the Hopi tribe. Hopi representatives considered the sale of the items sacrilegious and refused to take part in the auction. More… Discuss