Just weeks after scientists identified the 2,300-year old skull found in a crab pot off Ocean Shores in 2014 as Native American, three local tribes have shown interest in taking possession of the remains for burial.

“The Puyallup, Squaxin Island, and the Shoalwater Bay tribes have expressed an interest in the remains,” said State Historic Preservation Officer Allyson Brooks, Ph.D.

“We will be working with them to repatriate the remains.”

The Quinault and Chehalis tribes were also contacted in regards to the final disposition of the skull.

Brooks says she expects to hear from them after the first of the year. From there, it is up to the tribes to decide who will actually take possession of the remains. Once that is determined, the skull will be placed with the tribe or tribes for burial.