STOLEN - Native American Pottery - Cortez, CO

Theft at Cortez, CO Gallery, April 13, 2005

The Montezuma County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a burglary that occurred on or around April 13, 2005 at Mesa Indian Trading Company and Gallery, just outside Cortez, Colorado, where unknown persons stole approximately $121,000. in irreplaceable Santa Clara pots and plates, some dating back to the 1920s. There was also damage done to the property to gain access to the gallery.

Anyone with any information is asked to call Montezuma Crime stoppers at 970-565-4243 between the hours of 8am and 5pm Monday through Friday or Detective Lt. Steve Harmon, Montezuma County Sheriff’s Office at 970-565-8452 ext 320.

STOLEN - Items - London, England

Theft in London, England, January, 2005

click on image to see an enlarged version

Stolen Woven Bag with Shoulder Strap

If you have any information about this bag, contact Nick Davidson PC 124ZT, Metropolitan Police,London, England,Nick.Davidson@met.police.uk

click on image to see an enlarged version

Stolen Woven Bonnet with Chin Ties

If you have any information about this bag, contact Nick Davidson PC 124ZT, Metropolitan Police, London, England,Nick.Davidson@met.police.uk

click on image to see an enlarged version

Stolen Knife with Sheath

If you have any information about this bag, contact Nick Davidson PC 124ZT, Metropolitan Police,London, England,Nick.Davidson@met.police.uk

STOLEN - Basketry from High Noon Show, Mesa, AZ

Theft at High Noon Show, Mesa, AZ, 25 January, 2005

click on image to see an enlarged version

Stolen Horsehair Basket

If you have any information about this horsehair basket, 4″ tall x 3-1/2″ wide contact the Phoenix Police Department wrt case number 2005-50156674 at phone number (602)262-7626 or contact Hudson Trading Company at (520)896-2901.

click on image to see an enlarged version

Stolen Horsehair Friendship and Eagle Basket

If you have any information about this horsehair friendship basket, 6″ diameter, contact the Phoenix Police Department wrt case number 2005-50156674 at phone number (602)262-7626 or contact Hudson Trading Company at (520)896-2901.

click on image to see an enlarged version

Stolen Horsehair Basket

If you have any information about this horsehair basket, 7.5″ diameter, contact the Phoenix Police Department wrt case number 2005-50156674 at phone number (602)262-7626 or contact Hudson Trading Company at (520)896-2901.

click on image to see an enlarged version

Stolen Horsehair Friendship and Geometric Basket

If you have any information about this horsehair friendship basket, 8.5″ diameter, contact the Phoenix Police Department wrt case number 2005-50156674 at phone number (602)262-7626 or contact Hudson Trading Company at (520)896-2901.

click on image to see an enlarged version

Stolen Washoe Basket by Dat-So-La-Lee

If you have any information about this one-rod Washoe basket, redbud and bracken fern on a willow background, 5″ diameter and 4″ high, contact the Phoenix Police Department wrt case number 2005-50156674 at phone number (602)262-7626 or contact Hudson Trading Company at (520)896-2901.

STOLEN - Cabazon Tribal Art - Indio, CA

Federal Bureau of Investigation

STOLEN NATIVE AMERICAN ARTIFACTS

Below are photos of three of seventeen items taken during an early morning burglary on January 11, 2005, of the cultural museum at the Cabazon Band of Mission Indians located in Indio, California. The seventeen artifacts are valued at more than $100,000 and were comprised of personally loaned items as well as items loaned from the State of California. All but three have been recovered with the help of this page. Any and all information about the three remaining stolen items should be directed to Special Agent Joseph K. Stuart, Palm Springs Resident Agency, (760) 320-0800, ext 23.

Reference: FBI file number 198C-LA-240406.

STOLEN - Navajo Textile - Santa Fe, NM

Theft of Weaving from Winter Antiquities Show, January, 2005

Navajo Chinle serape, ca. 1930, pink, grey and brown hand spun and indigo blue. 54″ x 68″ .

This blanket was stolen from the Elk Creek Trading Company booth at the Santa Fe Winter Antiquities show on January 2nd, 2005,

Santa Fe Police report # 05-000128. If you have any information about this weaving, contact the Santa Fe Police Department at 505-955-5033 or contact the Elk Creek Trading Company, 200 Aspen Lane, Pine, CO 80470, Phone.: 303-838-6245, Fax: 303-838-6242, E-mail: elkcreektrading@earthlink.net .

STOLEN - Tribal Art - San Clemente, CA

Theft of Tribal Art in California

Stolen Egyptian Talisman, ca. 3rd Century B. C.

The theft of my briefcase occurred on the property (garage) of my residence in San Clemente, ca. and was taken from inside my automobile while I was unloading many bags and boxes of art objects and suitcases and carrying them into my house. It occurred between 8:30 and 9:30 PM on 12/21/04. There were four objects inside my briefcase listed below:

  • 1) An Egyptian black stone ‘Cippus of Horus’, a talisman depicting Horus standing on crocodiles holding small animals in each hand, the reverse side depicting multiple lines of hieroglyphics, ca. 3rd Century B.C. Height 3.25 in., shown in image above.
  • 2) A Northwest Coast Indian marine ivory (whale’s tooth) shaman’s amulet, Haida Tribe, ca. 19th Century. Length: 3.75 in.
  • 3) A Northwest Coast Indian amuletic pendant depicting an eagle head, ca. 19th Century. Length: 3 in.
  • 4) A Pre-Columbian Mixtec miniature stone skull, with eyes inlaid with turquoise, Mexico, A.D. 12th to 14th Century. Height: approx. 1.5 in.

If you have any information on these pieces, please contact me (Ron Normandeau) at (949) 443-1605 or cell # (310) 951-5131, or at info@anthroposgallery.com .

STOLEN - Navajo Textile - Santa Fe, NM

Theft of Navajo Textile from Gallery in Santa Fe October 20, 2004

Stolen Teec Nos Pos Rug

We unfortunately must report a theft from Price-Dewey Galleries, 53 Old Santa Fe Trail, 2nd Floor, Santa Fe, 87505. This incident has been reported to the authorities. We believe the following textile was stolen during business hours, during the day, Wednesday, October 20th, 2004. The textile was located in a shared public space in a stairwell/hallway.

  • ORIGIN: Navajo, Teec Nos Pos
  • DESCRIPTION: Indian Chief Pictorial
  • DIMENSIONS: 60 x 50 inches

STOLEN - American Indian Dolls - In Transit to PA

Stolen Art Dolls

Sometime between Feb. 23rd and March 2nd Brant Mackley Gallery had art objects stolen from cartons in transit between the Marin Indian Art show and the gallery location in Pennsylvania. Brant Mackley Gallery shipped 12 cartons and crates via an art transport company these cartons were picked up from the secure holding facility at the San Rafael, ca. Embassy Suites and were delivered to Brant Mackley Gallery on March 2, 04 in Hummelstown, PA. Mr. Mackley immediately discovered three of the cartons had been cut open and resealed during transit. Stolen were a wood carved canoe with two wood carved articulated figures with fur hair, varnish surface, incised carved necklace details, late 19th century, Chippewa or Eastern Sioux Indian origin. The taller figure is approx. 18 inches tall by 4 ½ inches wide, the smaller figure is 12 ½ inches tall by 3 ½ inches wide. The basswood canoe model was also varnished and had two brass tack inserts at the top of prow.

Please contact Brant Mackley Gallery at 717-566-9409 with any information. a reward is being offered for the return of these items.

STOLEN - Eskimo Doll's Head - Charlottesville, VA

Stolen Eskimo Doll’s Head

In late January, burglars entered my home and removed this 100-300 AD Eskimo Ivory Human Doll’s Head. It is 2-7/8″ High and a creamy, golden color. If you see this item or have it offered to you for sale, please contact Jeff Goldsmith, Charlottesville, Virginia, phone (434) 979-9524 or email: tcoyote@msn.com. There is a reward for information leading to its return. Thank you

STOLEN - Hopi Kachina - Santa Fe, NM

Stolen Hopi Kachina

The attached is a photograph of a kachina that appears to have been stolen from Price-Dewey Galleries sometime in the week of Jan 19, 2004. We would appreciate any assistance you might offer in circulating this photograph. It is 13″ high, ca. 1925, Zuni Sipikne. Please contact the gallery and/or the police if you have any information regarding this piece. There have been an increasing number of thefts in Santa Fe this past year – we need to catch these people!

Thank you for your assistance.

Sincerely,

  • Pamela Rittmeyer, Financial Manager
  • Price-Dewey Galleries, Ltd.
  • 53 Old Santa Fe Trail
  • Santa Fe, NM 87501
  • ph 505.982.8632
  • fax 505.983.2625

 

 

STOLEN - Scrimshaw Adze Head - Jefferson, WI

Eskimo Scrimshaw Adze Head Stolen from Wisconsin Home 10/04/2003

This is a dragon scrimshawed onto an Eskimo artifact ivory adze-head. It stands about 6-12″ – 7-1/2″ tall. I believe it is signed Stan Ivek. I filed a police report with the Jefferson, WI. police department, but I am not sure if I can find a copy of the report. I have attached a photo of the item (whish now that I had a better photo). It was stolen 10/04/03. Please contact me for any other needed information at aalaskaal@hotmail.com

STOLEN - Woven Basket - Yosemite Valley, CA

Stolen California Basket

The basket was stolen from the Indian Museum in Yosemite Valley in August of 2003. It is described as: a lobular shaped, coiled, single-rod basket made of red bud and sedge root woven by by Anne Lake pre-1940s, 18″ diameter, 12″ deep. Anyone with information about this basket is asked to contact Steve Yu, Criminal Investigator, Yosemite National Park, (209) 372-0215 office, (209) 770-6344 cell, Steve_Yu@nps.gov .

STOLEN - Tribal Art - Papua, New Guinea

Artifacts Stolen from Papua, New Guinea Museum, May 19, 2003

On May 19, 2003 the Papua New Guinea National Museum and Art Gallery lost a number of important artifacts

NOTICE OF THEFT:

Artifacts stolen from the Papua New Guinea National Museum in Boroko

On May 19, 2003 the Papua New Guinea National Museum and Art Gallery lost a number of important artifacts from its galleries, due to a break-in into the Museum at night. The thieves forced their way into the building, emptied an important showcase in the Life and Land Gallery (Prehistory) and smashed show cases containing body ornaments in the Independence gallery.

At least 14 stolen artifacts (possibly up to 5 more, including a replica) come indeed from a display of important prehistoric stone artifacts. Dr Pamela Swadling, the former curator of Prehistory at the National Museum, established an illustrated and annotated list of the items, based on a report to Soroi M. Eoe, Museum Director. The list of body ornaments stolen from Independence gallery gives the inventory numbers and an object title for another 36 items.

For more details, go to http://www.pacificarts.org/theft.html

STOLEN - San Ildefonso Bowl - Santa Fe, NM

Maria Bowl Stolen from Santa Fe Gallery, March 28, 2003

Stolen San Ildefonso Blackware Bowl

Stolen from Steve Elmore Indian Art on March 28, 2003: A San Ildefonso blackware bowl, signed Marie. Measures 7 ½” diameter x 2 ½” height. Please contact the gallery if you have seen or have been offered this piece. Thanks for your cooperation. Steve Elmore, 505-995-9677, 839 Paseo de Peralta, Suite M, Santa Fe, NM 87501.

RECOVERED - Large Native American Artifact Collection

On March 24, 2003 – we received the following e-mail notification that these items have been recovered:

  • From: a Colorado Collector
  • To: Webmaster@ATADA.org
  • Date: Monday, March 24, 2003, 2:01:44 PM
  • Subject: Artifacts recovered

 ==============Original message text===============

Dear Arch,

The saga of the 36 stolen artifacts we listed with you earlier in February has had a wonderful turnabout. THEY HAVE BEEN RECOVERED. The case is still in process, but at least the objects are safe. The whole episode has been traumatic to say the least but the wonderful spirit and work of ATADA brought us a little peace of mind and hope amidst it all. I also believe that the community of dealers and associates helped initiate the turn of events.

Would you be able to place a large notice to members on the site to let them know the items have been recovered? How do you suggest this appear?

Perhaps you could keep the photos with a large type stamp over them saying recovered. You are the webmaster so I will leave that up to you. I do know that members have studied these items and put great effort towards their return for which we are eternally grateful.

As always, anonymity is of highest concern. David Cook, David Fine American Art, is still the contact on this matter.

You and ATADA confirm that there is no substitute for good people and that our friends and colleagues in this world of Native American Art are a family. Thanks so much. I will be in touch as the story unfolds. So far, we are incredibly LUCKY.

Sincerely, a Colorado Collector

==============End of original message text===========

On February 1, 2003, 36 important Native American artifacts were stolen from a private collection in Colorado focusing on Plains beadwork, parfleche and textiles.

The following items have been recovered: 

Blackfeet War Shirt
Stolen Blackfeet War Shirt Now Recovered

Blackfeet War Shirt – 1870s – Buckskin, Trade cloth, Open sides, Blue seed bead panels, Ermine tails

 
Apache Puberty Cape

Stolen Apache Puberty Cape Now Recovered

Pony Beaded Apache Puberty Cape – 1860, Buckskin, Painted with red ochre, Trim beaded with black, white and red pony beads, Russian beads, Brass military buttons, Tinklers

 


Stolen Crow Leggings Now Recovered

Crow Leggings – 1880s – Red / green trade cloth


Stolen Kiowa High Top Mocs Now Recovered

Kiowa Women’s High Top Moccasins – 1880s – Green with silver buttons, 17″ L x 9″ W

 

Stolen Bow and Arrows Now Recovered

Arapaho snakeskin covered ash bow w/ arrows – 1880s

 
Stolen Pony Beaded Pipe Bag Now Recovered

Pony Beaded Pipe Bag – 1840s, Four flaps w/three bells on fringe, Bag: 12″ L Fringe: 16″ L

 
Stolen Cheyenne/Arapaho Pipe Bag Now Recovered

Cheyenne/Arapaho, Cheyenne / Arapaho Pipe Bag – 1870s, Seed beads, 6″ quilled panel, 10″ fringe, 28″ – 30″ L


Stolen Northern Plains Pipe Bag Now Recovered

Northern Plains – 1935 – Buckskin, beads: blue, red and white; blueish quill work, 17″ fringe, 13″ bag, 36″ long total

 
Stolen Crow Cylinder Parfleche Now Recovered

Crow Cylinder Parfleche, Red/black paint, dart patina, 20-22″ L x 5″ D

 

Stolen Bow and Arrows Now Recovered

Arapaho snakeskin covered ash bow w/ arrows – 1880s

 

Stolen Kiowa Leggings Yellow Now Recovered

Kiowa Men’s, Twisted Fringe Leggings, 1880s, 36″ L x 5″ fringe, Yellow ochre paint, Trim beads, red pink white blue

 

Stolen Yankton Sioux Tipi Bag Now Recovered

Yankton Sioux Tipi Bag, Buffalo hide, seed beads, 20″ W x 16″ H

 

Stolen Arpahoe Dispatch Case Now Recovered

Arapaho Dispatch Case – 1880s, Commercial leather

 

Stolen Arapaho Dispatch Case Flag Now Recovered

Arapaho Dispatch Case American flag motif on white background, 20″ x 8.5″

 

Stolen Cheyenne Dispatch Case Now Recovered

Cheyenne Dispatch Case – 1880s, 15″ x 8.5″ – greasy yellow/green

 

Stolen Sioux Knife Case Now Recovered

Sioux Knife Case – 1870s, Buffalo hide / inner sheath

 

Stolen Cheyenne Strike-A-Lite Now Recovered

Cheyenne Strike-A-Lite – 1870-1880s, 5″ H x 3″ W (top)

 

Stolen Sioux Strike-A-Lite Now Recovered

Sioux Strike-A-Lite w/striker in case, 4″ H x 2.5″ W (top)

 

Stolen Sioux Knife Case Now Recovered

Sioux Knife Case – 1870s – Buffalo hide / inner sheath

 

Stolen Apache Burden Basket Now Recovered

Apache Burden Basket – 1870s, Trade beads – blue and white, 26″ H / 20″ W

 

Stolen Sioux Fox Pipe Now Recovered

Sioux Fox Pipe – 1850s, Bowl: fox inlay in black pipestone, 32″ -36″ L

 

Stolen Small Apache Burden Basket Now Recovered

Apache Burden Basket – 1880-1890s, 18″ H / 16″ W

 

Stolen Sioux Saddle Blanket Now Recovered

Sioux Saddle Blanket – 1880s – Seed beads – yellow, green, red and brass, Brass bells

 

Stolen Whetstone Case Now Recovered

Whetstone Case

 

Stolen Blackfeet Parfleche Now Recovered

Blackfeet Parfleche – Buffalo rawhide – 1880s, trade cloth on seams, Red/black paint


Stolen Athabascan Bag Now Recovered

Athabascan Wall Pouch with flap – 1800s – Caribou hide, red pattern calico lining, tiny beads


Stolen Blackfeet Parfleche 2Now Recovered

Blackfeet Parfleche – 1875 – Buffalo rawhide red/black paint, 17″ W 24″ side fringe


Stolen Sioux Twisted Stem Pipe Now Recovered

Sioux twisted stem pipe – 1880s – Bowl: carved catlanite, 30″ L


Stolen Blanket Strip Now Recovered

Blanket Strip – 1880s – 4 Rondels, 4 Beaded cross design, Seed beads, 66″ L


Stolen Split Horn Bonnet Now Recovered

Nez Perce split horn bonnet, 1890s


Stolen Elk Dreamer Moccasins Now Recovered

Cheyenne Man’s “Elk Dreamer Society” Moccasins – 10″ L, Small cut Cheyenne blue beads


Stolen Blackfeet Parfleche Now Recovered

Blackfeet Parfleche – Buffalo rawhide – 1880s – 16″ W / 15″ H, Side fringe shorter 13″

 

Stolen Rattle & Rattle Case Now Recovered

Rattle and case, rawhide, 11″ L x 4.5″ D


Stolen Green Kiowa Leggings Now Recovered

Kiowa men’s leggings – 1870s, green paint, trim beads, spaghetti fringe


Stolen Northern Plains Tomahawk Now Recovered

Northern Plains Tomahawk, file branded, brass tacks, 1850s, 18-24″ L


Stolen Third Phase Chiefs Blanket Now Recovered

Third Phase Chiefs Blanket – 1870s, Churro wool, 55″ W x 70″ L

Stolen Cheyenne Saddle Bag sNow Recovered

Cheyenne Double Saddle Bags

1880s, Beaded on buffalo hide with red trace cloth inserts, Beads – blue, red, white, 48″ L x 14″ W


Stolen Arapaho Mocs Now Recovered
Arapaho Moccasins, 1880s

STOLEN - Beadwork - Teton County, WY

Beadwork Stolen in Teton County, WY, Sept 6, 2002

On or shortly before Sept 6, 2002, there was a theft of about $30,000 worth of material in Teton County, Wyoming. I have filed a report there. I had stolen three vests, one blue background with two elk on the front in a butterscotch color, one vest with yellow background with two deer two sheep and two eagles on the front, the other was a Sioux or northern plains white background with geometric patterns, the fourth piece was a large full size Cheyenne cradle on sticks-red trade cloth with white and gold tube beads 19th century, also had tacks in sticks.

The case is # 02088-2974, Teton County Sheriffs dept Bob Morley phone 307-733-4052

This report was provided by Tom Hampton of Hampton Historicals