STATE AND TRIBAL LAWS AND REGULATIONS
(as of February 2005)
Date Enacted: 1972, amended 1986
Summary: Mississippi does not have specific unmarked burial provisions but depends on its broad based antiquities laws. This statute preserves and protects sites, objects, buildings, shipwrecks, and locations of historic, archaeological and architectural significance in, on or under state lands. This includes prehistoric and historic American Indian or aboriginal campsites, dwellings, and habitation sites. The statutes further makes it illegal to deface any American Indian or aboriginal sites includes burial mounds. The Department of Archives and History is responsible for implementing the law and issuing excavation permits.
Online State Law Source: http://www.mscode.com/
Permitting: The Board of the Department of Archives and History had a Permit Committee that issues general archaeological permits.
Penalties: Misdemeanor penalties with fines ranging from $500 to $5,000 and jail terms of 30 days. The state offers rewards of $500 for information leading to arrest and conviction.
Review/Consultation Committee: Not specified.
Indian Affairs Office/Department:
Tribal Websites:
Resources: Antiquities Law (Mississippi Code Ann. §39-7).
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