[meteorite-list] Tribal Group Sale of Fragments

[1340659]

Dear List,   In response to Francis Graham and others about the Willamette meteorite, I live in the same county that this came from. I have not seen or heard of any proof by any of the Indian tribes that used to inhabit the area (which are several), that they were even aware of its existence, until the big rusty hulk made its d�but in the local papers because of the dispute over who owned it a hundred years ago. None of the Indian tribes voiced any concern at that time or came forward to claim it, that I am aware of.   Remember this is Western Oregon, where it rains 30 to 60 inches a year. When the meteorite was first found 100 years ago was covered in a thick layer of rust, and indeed about 20% of its mass had rusted away and you can still find oxidized fragments at the site today.   I believe the Indian groups would be hard pressed to prove or even show that they ever actually had any sacred or any other type of  connection with the meteorite. And this undoubtedly is why they haven't been successful in having the main body in the American Museum returned Oregon.   Unlike the Cape York or other meteorites, there was no evidence any visitation by humans, such as any chunks being whacked off for use in arrow of spear points or any paint or other relics found on the meteorite or at the site.   But if they were aware of it, what did it really mean to them back 100 or 150 years ago? Who can say truthfully...probably just an interesting looking rock.   Gordon Trone