Geronimo's skull
Geronimo's Skull refers to the controversial claim that members of the secret society Skull and Bones at Yale University possess the skull of the famous Apache leader Geronimo. The story has been a subject of speculation, investigation, and legal action, touching on issues of grave robbing, cultural desecration, and the repatriation of indigenous artifacts.
Background[edit | edit source]
Geronimo was a prominent leader and medicine man from the Bedonkohe band of the Apache tribe. Known for his resistance against Mexico and the United States in their attempts to subjugate his people, Geronimo's defiance made him a legendary figure in Native American history. After his surrender in 1886, he was detained by the U.S. military and died in 1909 at Fort Sill, Oklahoma.
Controversy[edit | edit source]
The allegation that Geronimo's skull resides within the walls of the Skull and Bones society at Yale first came to light through various sources, including family members of society members and investigative journalists. The society, known for its secrecy and the influence of its members, has neither confirmed nor denied these claims.
Legal Action[edit | edit source]
In 2009, descendants of Geronimo filed a lawsuit against Skull and Bones, Yale University, and others, seeking the return of his remains for proper burial according to Apache traditions. The lawsuit was eventually dismissed, but it brought significant attention to the broader issues of repatriation and the treatment of Native American human remains and cultural items under laws such as the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA).
Cultural Impact[edit | edit source]
The story of Geronimo's skull is emblematic of the larger struggles between Native American communities and institutions holding Native artifacts and remains. It raises critical questions about ethics, respect for the dead, and the rights of indigenous peoples to reclaim their cultural heritage.
See Also[edit | edit source]
- Skull and Bones
- Repatriation (cultural heritage)
- Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act
- Cultural appropriation
This Indigenous rights related article is a stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it.
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
