Artifacts are collected after offer of amnesty

In the past three months, officials in the Four Corners states have collected numerous Native American items illegally scavenged from tribal lands.

The list includes several sets of human remains and at least four skulls, whole pots, bowls and pottery shards and sandal fragments.

The items came in as part of the "Restore and Respect Heritage Campaign," a 90-day amnesty program in which people can return the sacred items without the fear of prosecution. The program came to a close Wednesday.

In Utah, approximately 20 people turned over several sets of human remains, assorted pottery shards, arrowheads and grinding stones, said Forrest Cuch, executive director of the Utah Division of Indian Affairs.

Those turning in items were not required to provide any information, but many reported that the original owners were deceased, and the items held no special value to the family members, Cuch said.

All of the collected items will be held until state officials can meet with individual tribes to determine final disposition of the material.