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ATADA Theft Alert Page

( for recent recoveries, click here )

Recent Recoveries

ATADA Policy on Stolen Objects

The ATADA Theft Alert posting service is offered free of charge to any individual, business, tribe, museum, or government agency. In order to accept material for posting on the ATADA Theft Alert Page, the stolen property must be American Indian or Tribal Art.

The ATADA Theft Alert Page is not a substitute for reporting losses to your local authorities and your insurance company. However, for an example of how a posting on the ATADA Theft Alert Page can help recover stolen art, see NY Times article on theft alert , or click here . To see a recent collection recovered with the help of the ATADA Theft Alert page, click here.

Remember - it is impossible to photograph objects after a theft occurs. Be sure that you save high-quality digital images and an inventory promptly after each purchase. We recommend that you maintain a promptly-updated database of your collection or gallery inventory.

WHAT TO DO FIRST IN THE EVENT OF A THEFT:

AFTER COMPLETING THE ABOVE:

Send the following information to Alice@ATADA.org and Webmaster@ATADA.org :

ATADA will verify the accuracy of material received by contacting both the person making the report and the police officer named on the report before posting any information.

Phone Alice Kaufman at 415-927-3717 or Arch Thiessen at 505-984-3216 if you do not get a response within a few days as sometimes email gets stuck in our spam filters.

We request prompt notification when the material is recovered.

You may also wish to consider posting your loss on an international stolen art register such as www.artloss.com .

Theft Alerts

An antique wood carving by Patrick Barela was stolen from a Denver, Colorado Gallery on June 23, 2009

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Stolen Wood Carving

Stolen Antique Wood Carving

An antique wood carving by Patracino Barela, circa 1930, 11-1/2" tall x 5" wide was stolen on June 23, 2009. It was titled "I Close My Eyes". If you have any information about this carving, the Police Report # is 09-371138, District Three, Denver Police Dept, contact Detective Foster, his direct line is 720-913-1230. You may also contact Chris or Lew Bobrick, Lewis Bobrick Antiques, 1213 E. 4th Ave, Denver, Colorado 80218, phone: 303-744-9203, email: dnyl@mho.net .

Contemporary Native American Gold Bracelet Stolen from Pasadena, CA Show, Weekend of June 19-21, 2009

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Stolen Native American Pipe

Stolen Native American Gold Bracelet

A Navajo gold overlay bracelet by Arland Ben was stolen from a booth at the Pasadena, CA Indian Show during the weekend of June 19-21, 2009. The bracelet is 1" wide and has overlay rock art designs.

If you have any information about this bracelet, please contact the Pasadena Police Department, Officer Petrella, 626 744-4501. Report number 09027156. You may also contact the gallery at jackson.jc2@gmail.com, phone (970)247-8277.

Numerous Tribal Objects Stolen in Transit from New York to San Francisco, May 18-29, 2009

Joe Loux had a large number of art objects and jewelry stolen from a crate that was shipped on May 18th 2009 via DHL from the Gramercy Armory, 68 Lexington Street, New York City, after participating in the Textile & Tribal Arts Show. The shipment contained all his inventory from the show, including antique, ethnographic jewelry, textiles and sculpture. Joe received the crate in San Francisco on May 29th, 2009.

Upon opening the crate, it was immediately obvious that somebody had gone through its contents, because the antique mat we placed directly under the lid was gone and the contents were in complete disarray. Before leaving the Gramercy Armory, Joe had personally packed the crate with great care, leaving no empty space and using large amounts of bubble wrap and tissue paper to protect the fragile art objects with cardboard boxes and plastic crates. Each previously sealed cardboard box had been opened (except one plastic crate) with many of their contents stolen. The cardboard box containing most of his jewelry had been pillaged, although the thieves discarded all jewelry that was not metal (e.g. amber, glass, and wooden beads), throwing it back into the crate haphazardly.

All the gold and silver jewelry had been stolen (with the exception of one small parcel of silver jewelry), as well as several other large scale sculptural objects.

Images and descriptions of the stolen objects are posted below:

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Stolen Tribal Art  Stolen Tribal Art  Stolen Tribal Art  Stolen Tribal Art

Stolen Tribal Objects d' Art #1-4

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Stolen Tribal Art  Stolen Tribal Art  Stolen Tribal Art  Stolen Tribal Art

Stolen Tribal Objects d' Art #5-8

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Stolen Tribal Art  Stolen Tribal Art  Stolen Tribal Art  Stolen Tribal Art

Stolen Tribal Objects d' Art #9-12

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Stolen Tribal Art  Stolen Tribal Art  Stolen Tribal Art  Stolen Tribal Art

Stolen Tribal Objects d' Art #13-16

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Stolen Tribal Art  Stolen Tribal Art  Stolen Tribal Art  Stolen Tribal Art

Stolen Tribal Objects d' Art #17-20

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Stolen Tribal Art  Stolen Tribal Art  Stolen Tribal Art  Stolen Tribal Art

Stolen Tribal Objects d' Art #21-24

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Stolen Tribal Art  Stolen Tribal Art  Stolen Tribal Art  Stolen Tribal Art

Stolen Tribal Objects d' Art #25-28

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Stolen Tribal Art  Stolen Tribal Art  Stolen Tribal Art  Stolen Tribal Art

Stolen Tribal Objects d' Art #29-32

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Stolen Tribal Art  Stolen Tribal Art  Stolen Tribal Art  Stolen Tribal Art

Stolen Tribal Objects d' Art #33-36

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Stolen Tribal Art  Stolen Tribal Art  Stolen Tribal Art  Stolen Tribal Art

Stolen Tribal Objects d' Art #37-40

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Stolen Tribal Art  Stolen Tribal Art  Stolen Tribal Art  Stolen Tribal Art

Stolen Tribal Objects d' Art #41-44

Description of stolen objects:

The theft has been reported to the police: Case Number: 090555833, Contact: Officer Johnson, badge no. 2333, San Francisco Police Department, Thomas J. Cahill Hall of Justice, Report Management Section, 850 Bryant St., Room 475, San Francisco, CA 94103-4603, phone: (415) 553-1141.

A reward is offered. If you have any information that could help with this case please contact Joe Loux, 574 Kansas Street, San Francisco, CA 94107, Tel: 415 861 2588, Cell: 505 695 6626, E-mail: katie.loux@gmail.com .

Native American Pipe Stolen from Folk Life Festival in Seattle, Washington, Memorial Day Weekend, 2009

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Stolen Native American Pipe

Stolen Native American Pipe

This morning a local artist contacted me to help get the word out about a piece of stolen art, a stone and brass pipe done with northwest coast form line design. He had sent it to the Seattle Folk Life Festival with one of the co-owners of the Devil Fish Gallery here in Sitka. Someone lifted it off her table sometime over the weekend.

He made the pipe several years ago and it was featured in a small exhibit here at the Sheldon Jackson Museum and the Devil Fish Gallery as well as an exhibition in New Zealand. I’ve attached a picture of the pipe. The pipe has a stone bowl (both the dark and the reddish color) and the stem is brass. Dimensions: 3.5 L (bowl only) x L 4” (stem) x H 2”. The pipe has been exhibited at the Sheldon Jackson Museum and the Devil Fish Gallery in Sitka as well as an exhibition in New Zealand.

The case number and contact info with the Seattle PD is #09-177600 and an email contact is patricia.hayes@seattle.gov. You may also contact the artist, Dave Galanin, at 907-738-9486, or Cass Pook from the Devil Fish Gallery who took the pipe to Seattle at 907-738-1255

Navajo Concho Belt Stolen from Santa Fe, NM Gallery, May 21-22, 2009

A large Navajo Concho Belt was stolen from Spanish and Indian Trading Co, Santa Fe, NM on May 21 or 22, 2009. Images are posted below:

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Stolen Navajo Concho Belt  Stolen Navajo Concho Belt  Stolen Navajo Concho Belt  Stolen Navajo Concho Belt  Stolen Navajo Concho Belt 

Details of Stolen Navajo Concho Belt

The stolen belt had nine conchas, one of which had been made into the buckle. It had a new dark brown leather strap. The conchas were about 3 and 1/2 inches wide.

The police case number is 09-008129. The officer who came here was Donald Duran, and his voicemail number is 505-955-5220. You may also contact the gallery at (505) 983-6106, email spanishindian@qwest.net.

Native American baskets were stolen from the Coolidge Historical Museum in Coolidge, Arizona, between April 18 and 21, 2009

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Stolen San Ildefonso Polychrome Jar  Stolen San Ildefonso Polychrome Jar  Stolen San Ildefonso Polychrome Jar  Stolen San Ildefonso Polychrome Jar  Stolen San Ildefonso Polychrome Jar

#2 Pima,        #6 Pima,        #10 Tohono O’Odham,        #12 Pima,        #13 Tohono O’Odham

Stolen Baskets

Several Native American baskets were taken from the Coolidge Historical Museum in Coolidge, Arizona. The burglary took place between April 18 and 21, 2009. Suspects entered the building by separating metal siding from the rear of the building. They avoided activating the alarm system. Taken were 14 Native American Baskets among other historical artifacts. All the descriptions follow

  1. Pima – coil weave of willow and devils claw over coils of cattail reed – black center radiating whirlwind design, 13” diameter.
  2. Pima – coil weave of willow and devils claw over coils of cattail reed – design of butterfly wings, 7 ¼” diameter. (pictured)
  3. Pima – bowl shape, coil weave of willow and devils claw over coils of cattail reed – connecting diamonds around side, 6” diameter.
  4. Pima – cylinder shape, coil weave of willow over coils of cattail reed – stacked black arrows alternating with stacked negative arrows, 7 ½ “ diameter, 4” high.
  5. Pima – shallow form, coil weave of willow and devils claw over cattail reed – squash blossom design, 15” diameter, 4 ½ “high.
  6. Pima – shallow form, coil weave of willow and devils claw over cattail reed – butterfly design, 14 ½” diameter, 2 ½” high. (pictured)
  7. Paiute _ coil weave of squawberry sumac with red bundles – Navajo wedding basket design, 15” diameter.
  8. Pima – bowl, coil weave of willow and devils claw over coils of split cattail reed – six point with coyote tracks interspersed, 6” diameter, 1 ½” high.
  9. Tohono O’Odham – horsehair plaque, coil weave of horsehair, squash blossom design, 5 ½” diameter.
  10. Tohono O’Odham – horsehair shallow form, coil weave of horsehair – squash blossom design, 7” diameter, 1 ½” high.
  11. Pima – olla, coil weave of willow and devils claw over coils of split cattail reed – fret design, 6” diameter, 6” high.
  12. Pima – cylinder shape, coil weave of willow and devils claw over coils of split cattail reed – black center squash blossom design, 9” diameter, 8” high. (pictured)
  13. Tohono O’Odham – shallow form, coil weave of split yucca and green yucca leaf over bundled bear grass with devils claw – four point center with stepped design on rim, 12 ½” diameter, 3” high.
  14. Tohono O’Odham – cylinder shape, large coil weave of split yucca leaf over bundles of bear grass with devils claw -  stepped design, 5 ½” diameter, 2” high.

The police report number is 09-8668 and the officer to contact is Sergeant Geoffrey Pacheco, Coolidge Police Department.  His e-mail address is:  pachecog@coolidgeaz.com, phone number (520)723-5311 and mailing address is: 911 S. Arizona Blvd, Coolidge, AZ 85228

San Ildefonso Polychrome Jar Missing from Arizona State Museum and Presumed Stolen

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Stolen San Ildefonso Polychrome Jar

Stolen San Ildefonso Polychrome Pottery Jar

This is a photo of a San Ildefonso polychrome pottery jar. In a recent inventory, this jar was found to be missing. The date of the disappearance was some time between 1986 and 2006. Details from museum records are as follows: Arizona State Museum Catalog # 7376, San Ildefonso Polychrome Jar, circa 1890-1910, Height 9-3/4", Diameter 11-1/2", "HS San Ildefonso" penciled near base.

If you have any information about this jar, please contact Mark Cattanach, Museum Registrar, mgcattan@email.arizona.edu, phone 520-626-8742.

Large Concho Belt Stolen from the Phoenix Antique Show on Jan 24th, 2009

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Stolen Contemporary Concho Belt

This is a photo of a concho in the style of G & L Leekity. Our Concho belt had 11 to 13 of these, approx 2 1/2 x 3in with a slightly larger buckle. Our conchos had more turquoise, and less border than the above picture. It was worn by a mudman dancer for the ceremonial dances, and aside from the buckle bearing the G & L Leekity stamp, it also has, in script done with an electric engraver, the name of the man who owned it, and some reference to him being a dancer.

Police Report # 2009-90133174, Taken by officer # A5221, phone number 602-262-6151. Contact info for owners: Jody Wilson and Jacque Froy, 631-745-3029, 631-747-4007, PO Box 91291, Tucson, AZ 85752, email: JJTucson@aol.com. Thank You Very Much for any help that you may be able to provide with this matter, Jody Wilson and Jacque Froy.

Ten Contemporary Native American Bracelets Stolen From The Heard Museum North Gift Shop, Phoenix, AZ, January 7, 2009

Ten Contemporary Native American Bracelets Were Stolen From The Heard Museum North Gift Shop, Phoenix, AZ, January 7, 2009. Images are posted below:

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Stolen Contemporary Bracelet  Stolen Contemporary Bracelet  Stolen Contemporary Bracelet

Stolen Contemporary Bracelets #5, #7 and #9 (See Below)

The theft occurred Wednesday afternoon. The two shoplifters entered first, followed about 15 minutes later by a decoy who was returning a pillow and a bow and arrow. The two shoplifters appeared to know something about the jewelry they were looking at. First description was Hispanic on the two and the third man was white with braces. The manager of the shop at North said the first two could also be Native.

Items stolen:

Bracelet 1: Roy Talahaftewa, Montezuma Turquoise;
Bracelet 2: Wes Willie, Multistone;
Bracelet 3: Aaron Toadlena, Turquoise;
Bracelet 4: unknown silversmith, cuff;
Bracelet 5 (image): Alvin Begay, Multistone;
Bracelet 6: Steve Larance, 18k gold cast pattern;
Bracelet 7 (image): James Norris, Multistone;
Bracelet 8: Abraham Begay, Multistone;
Bracelet 9 (image): Jimmy Calabaza, Lone Mountain Turquoise;
Bracelet 10: Multistone, lapis, malachite, and turquoise.

If you have any information about these bracelets, please contact Ginny Harris, The Heard Museum Shops, Phoenix, AZ, 602-251-0274 or email: gharris@heard.org.

 

Three Antique Laguna Pots Stolen from Albuquerque, NM Home, December 18, 2008

Three Native American Laguna Pots were stolen from my home in the North Valley of Albuquerque, NM on or about December 18, 2008. Images are posted below:

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Stolen Laguna Jar  Stolen Laguna Jar  Stolen Laguna Jar

Stolen Laguna Jars

Items stolen: Evelyn Cheromiah Laguna potter: 22-24". Height 22-24 " Four Seasons large Olla, a different season depicted on each side of this very fine piece of pottery. Pot is flawless with very thin walls that only add to its value and beauty.

Second Pot: Evelyn Cheromiah 6" to 8" canteen with large sun type design on the front. Pot has two small "braided" clay handles and rests on an angled flat bottom.

Third stolen pot: Evelyn Cheromiah Wedding Vase about 10-12" tall: beautiful double spouts with a traditional flower type design and round base. All pots are decorated with black and light brown earth colors.

The three pots are all in perfect condition and are at least 25 years old.

I contacted the Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office and filed a police report on December 29, 2008. The police report/file number is 08#678315. The theft was reported to an officer at the North Fourth Street Substation. Please help. Thank you, Anne Bowerman, (505) 344-6367, abroonie@yahoo.com.

Santa Clara Redware Pottery Jar Stolen from Albuquerque, NM Gallery, October 27, 2008

A Santa Clara pottery jar was stolen from an Old Town, Albuquerque, NM Gallery on October 27, 2008. An image is posted below:

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Stolen Santa Clara Jar

Stolen Santa Clara Jar

This image is of a stolen Red Carved Bowl with Mica Slip approximately 5-1/4" high x 6-1/2" diameter by Mary Archuleta, Santa Clara, NM.

The police report number is: P083010773 Albuquerque Police Department 10.27.08. If you have any information about this jar, please contact the Albuquerque Police Department and Jacquie Davis, Director, Shiprock OLD TOWN, 413 Romero Street NW, Albuquerque, NM 87104, (505) 242-4080 Phone, (505) 242-4108 Fax, albq@shiprocktrading.com .

Navajo Pictorial Weaving Stolen from a Cameron, AZ, Gallery, October 14, 2008

A Navajo pictorial weaving was stolen from a Cameron, AZ trading post on October 14, 2008. An image is posted below:

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Stolen Navajo Weaving

Stolen Navajo Pictorial Weaving

On October 14, 2008 a “Tree of Life” rug by weaver Brenda Crosby was stolen from the Cameron Trading Post. The stolen rug (pictured above) measures 32” x 26”.

The theft of this rug is being investigated by the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office. Investigators are requesting the public’s assistance in solving this crime. Anyone having information is urged to contact Detective Sergeant Jim Coffey at (928) 226-5026 or the Sheriff’s Office dispatch at 1-800-338-7888.


Leekya Fetish Stolen from Santa Fe Show, August 20, 2008

We received the following message from ATADA member Steve Begner this afternoon:

We had an item stolen from our showcase at the Whitehawk Show on Wednesday, August 20 at about 3:30 PM, and would appreciate it if you could put this on the Theft Alert page of the ATADA website.

The item stolen was a bear carved by Leekya Deyuse. It is about 3" long, carved from banded brown nutria rock, and has a coral and turquoise bundle with a small turquoise arrowhead facing backwards. The head of the bear is turned to the side, and the piece is easily recognizable as Leekya's work.

A police report has been filed with the Santa Fe PD, and the case number is 08-013276. The investigating officer is Rachel Meserve, and the phone number of the PD is (505) 955-5038. Anyone with further information can also call Turkey Mountain Traders at (480) 423-8777.

No photo of the bear is available, as it was a very recent purchase. However, the banding in the rock is quite distinctive.

Antique Navajo Necklace Stolen in Transit to Santa Fe, NM Aug 7, 2008

A 1950s Navajo Squash blossom was being shipped back from San Anselmo California via UPS ground. The box arrived without the necklace at 5pm Aug. 7th. . An image is posted below:

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Two Views of Stolen Navajo Necklace

This image is of a a stolen ca. 1950 Zuni squash necklace of hand cut turquoise and a naja with finial and drop, with hand made silver beads. Enclosed are two different pictures of the necklace, it is 28"long. It was also illustrated in Marti's recently summer catalog "Marti's Choice" on page 17.

This necklace may show up on the street or at one of the shows at Santa Fe before or during Indian Market, 2008. If you have any information about this necklace, please contact the Santa Fe Police Department or contact Carrie Haley or Martha Struever, P.O. Box 2203, Santa Fe, NM 87504, phone 505-983-9515 studio@marthastruever.com.


Acoma Jar Stolen from Albuquerque, NM Gallery, June 17, 2008

An antique Acoma Olla was stolen from an Old Town, Albuquerque, NM Gallery on June 17, 2008. An image is posted below:

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Stolen Acoma Olla

This image is of a stolen antique Acoma Olla, black on white design, 10-12" in diameter.

Theft by Navajo man age 40-50, 5ft 6in, no front teeth, tattoo on left shoulder of seahorse outline - messy, thin... Walked in and gave me a bag of “jewelry” then turned around and walked out and lifted the pot and walked out. He got into a white Dodge truck approx 1998 with white camper shell or it could have been a small suv – happened too fast to see.

If you have any information about this jar, please contact: Isaac (Ice) Silva: Albuquerque Police 505--455 or contact 505-COPS (242-2677) APD case number 08-137108, or contact Margaret Moses Gallery ltd., aka Nizhoni Moses Gallery, 326 San Felipe NW, Old Town, Albuquerque, NM 87104, 505-842-1808, 888-842-1808 toll free, nizhonimoses@aol.com.


Northwest Coast Style Art Stolen from Belfair, WA Home, April-May, 2008

In April or May, 2008, a collection of Northwest Coast style objects was stolen from a Belfair, WA home. A selection of images and descriptions are posted below. More images will be posted as they become available.

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1) Stolen Killer Whale Carving; 1S) Sketch of Stolen Killer Whale; 2) Stolen Wood Mask; 3) Stolen Killer Whale Rattle;

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4) Stolen Mask; 8) Stolen Carved Turtle; 11) Stolen Chinese Chest

List of items taken from home, Belfair, WA, during burglary, (April- May 2008). Most items are wood carvings made by my deceased parents in the 1970s. Wood carvings have Northwest Native American designs, but since they were not made by Native Americans, their monetary value is low. They have great sentimental value to my family. Each carved object is signed on the back, either, 'VAN' or 'Margo'. Reward offered, no questions asked.

  1. Killer Whale. (See drawing). Large plaque in shape of whale, 3 ft by 2 ft, by 2 inches deep. Wood carved in NW design, painted black. 'VAN' on back. (Also taken: a small replica in black ceramic, 3 by 5 inches.)
  2. Wood Mask. (See drawing & picture). 'Nootka' NW design. Carved wood, stained cedar color, 12 by 8 inches. 'VAN' on back.
  3. Killer Whale Rattle. Abalone inlay eyes, carved wood, stained tan, 9 inches long. NW design carved on head and tail. 'Margo' on bottom with year (1970's).
  4. Mask with abalone inlay eyes. (Similar to picture.) Wood carved, stained cedar color, 5 by 8 inches. 'Margo' on back with year.
  5. Wooden Dish. Rectangular shape 2 by 8 inches, NW design faces carved at both ends, blond stain. 'Margo' on back with year.
  6. Circular Plate with birds. Blond wood with 2 birds carved in relief in center. Birds are loons, painted black with red & turquoise. 'Margo' on back with year.
  7. Two Ducks. Decoy size, carved wood, stained and painted in places. One is a Green Winged Teal, one is a Wood Duck. 'Margo' with year, approx. 1978, on bottom.
  8. Carved Turtle. Wood stained olive green, 6 inch diameter. 'VAN' on bottom.
  9. Four Shorebirds. Carved wood, painted, each with legs or doweling attached to oval wood, slice. 'Margo' on bottom with year (approx. 1977).
  10. Painting of Mt. Olympus. Watercolor with north shore in foreground. Signed 'Gail'. Wood frame stained soft green, 1.5 by 2 ft. (Painted by me.)
  11. Chinese Chest. Carved figures, trees on top and all sides. Brass closure, approx. 2 by 4 ft, stained brown, sandalwood interior. Purchased in China 1930.
  12. Print of Ink Drawing. Oyster Bay, 8 by 10 inches in black frame.
  13. Ukulele from Hawaii. In case, dark tan stain on wood, bought in 1955.

If you have any information about any of these items, please contact: Gail Bechler, email: rmetcalf68@hotmail.com , or cell (650) 906-4986.

Navajo Rug Vest Missing in Pasadena, CA, April 28, 2008

An image is posted below:

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Missing Navajo Rug Vest

This image is of a man's Navajo Rug Vest, size approx. 40.

Al Hayes has lost his wonderful Navajo rug vest. It was a case of leaving a garment bag on top of the car as we packed up in the garage of the Pasadena Sheraton Hotel on April 28, the day after the Pasadena Show. The leather label inside says "Boucher Santa Fe Made for Allan Hayes."

We’d greatly appreciate its return if anybody spots it. Al feels all is lost, but Carol thinks a plea to ATADA is worth a try. If you see it, we’d love to have it back again, and we’d be willing to buy it back. Stupidity is its own reward.

Contact us at 415-332-3480, summerhouse.antiques@gmail.com


Traditional Zuni Pot Stolen from Tucson, AZ Gallery, April 2, 2008

On April 2, 2008 at Michael D. Higgins and Son, Antique Indian Art a small Zuni Pot was stolen. An image is posted below:

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Stolen Zuni Pot

This image is of a stolen Zuni polychrome pot with three external frog effigy figures, approximately 5" high x 5" diameter.

On April 3, 2008 at Michael D. Higgins and Son, Antique Indian Art a small Zuni Pot was stolen. I wasn't here, but my son's new wife was and it was pretty traumatic for her.  She didn't actually see the guy take it, but she had been talking with him and went to answer the phone.  He grabbed the pot and ran out the door - got in a car and took off. I finally had the police show up, so here's the info. The thief was anglo, wore a baseball hat, and drove a blue suburban.

Tucson Police Report # 0804020397  Officer Wycoff - Badge 43892  Div. - 3/5
 
If you have any information about this pot, please contact: Michael D. Higgins at 4429 N. Campbell Ave., Tucson, AZ 85718, email: mdhggins@earthlink.net , phone (520) 577-8330, or cell (520) 444-3339.

Tohono O'odhom Jar Stolen from Scottsdale, AZ Gallery, March 27-28, 2008

A Tohono O'odham jar was taken from a Scottsdale, AZ Gallery on Thursday or Friday, March 27-28, 2008. An image is posted below:

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Stolen Tohono O'odham Jar

This image is of a stolen Tohono O'dham jar, 8" diameter by 6" deep, polychrome with spiders and lightning. Has a chip inside rim.

Reported to Scottsdale Police, Report # 08-09760.

If you have any information about this jar, please contact: Old Territorial Indian Arts, 7077 E. Main St. #7, Scottsdale, AZ 85251, 480-945-5432, email: oldtershop@aol.com .


Jewelry Stolen from Santa Fe Home, January 20, 2008

On Sunday, January 20, 2008, approximately 100 pieces of jewelry were stolen from a Santa Fe, NM Home. Some of the available images are posted below:

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Stolen Jewelry

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Stolen Jewelry

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Stolen Jewelry

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Stolen Jewelry

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Stolen Jewelry

Descriptions of the stolen items are as follows:

The case number is: 08-001142 for Santa Fe, NM. If you have any information about any of these items, contact the Santa Fe Police or the owner, Suzanne Staley, phone 505-992-6172, email: suzanne@earlstaley.com .

Old American Indian Pottery Stolen from Albuquerque Gallery, January 13, 2008

On Sunday, January 13, five major pieces of American Indian Pottery were stolen from the Cowboys and Indians Gallery in Albuquerque, NM. Images or drawings and descriptions of the stolen items are as follows

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1) Stolen Zia Olla, 2) Stolen Zia Olla, 3) Sketch of Stolen San Ildefonso Jar

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4) Stolen Zuni Dough Bowl, 5) Sketch of Stolen Zuni Heartline Deer Olla

Descriptions of the stolen items are as follows:

If you have any information about the stolen items, Tim Stump is the lead detective on the robbery case. If you have any new information, the case number is 0836355 and you can contact him at 505-924-6048. You may also contact the Cowboys and Indians Gallery at (505) 255-4054 or cowgirls@rt66.com .

Native American Statue Stolen from Albuquerque Gallery, December 2, 2007

A sculpture was stolen from Shiprock Trading Company in Old Town Albuquerque on 12/02/07. Shown below is a photo of the alabaster sculpture "Summer Breeze" by Clifford Fragua of Jemez Pueblo.

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Stolen Sculpture "Summer Breeze"

Stolen sculpture "Summer Breeze" by Clifford Fragua of Jemez Pueblo. It is 11" x 16" on a wood base. Please contact the Albuquerque Police Department if you have information about this theft.   The case number is 07-137869; Police contact number is (505) 768-2025. You may also contact the gallery at 505-242-4080 or email at albq@shiprocktrading.com with any information.

Native American Statue Stolen from Albuquerque, NM Gallery, November 29, 2007

On November 29, 2007, a man in an old pickup truck bearing license plate JWS973 ran in and grabbed the statue at Wright's Indian Art and ran out about 3pm. He was wearing a windbreaker and baseball cap. His face could not be seen. The stolen statue is shown below:

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Stolen American Indian Sculpture

The statue is by Kathy Whitman "Elk Woman", Lakota, titled "A Blessing of Love" and retail value would be about $3000. It was at least 2 1/2" feet tall. The sculpture was in pink alabaster on a wood base.

If anyone has any information on the stolen sculpture or on the old truck with license plate  JWS973 please contact the Albuquerque police department, case number 07136010, the report number is 071129000557, reporting officer R. Wuenschel #3373, or contact Wrights Gallery, phone 505-266-0120, e-mail info@wrightsgallery.com .

Antique Native American Moccasins Stolen in Jackson Hole, WY, November, 2007

We had a theft in November, 2007. The loss was seven pairs of antique moccasins. The moccasins were in display cases hanging from a stone fireplace in a restaurant at the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort.The moccasins were identified (from a photograph) by a local dealer in antiques. The stolen moccasins are pictured below:

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Stolen Antique Native American Moccasins

The stolen moccasins were identified as follows (left to right):

I am a detective with the Teton County Sheriff's Office in Jackson Wyoming. Our report number is 0712S-2293. I can be reached at (307)733-4052 or email gmerrell@tetonsheriff.org . Thank you, Gaylen Merrell, Detective, Teton County Sheriff's Office, Jackson, WY.

 

Navajo and Pueblo Jewelry Stolen from Flagstaff, Arizona Gallery, November, 2007

The following items were stolen from Old Adobe Traders, 204-C E. Rte 66, Flagstaff, AZ 86001, on the morning of 11/03/07:

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1. Stolen bracelet by Tommy Jackson, 2. Stolen Coral Bracelet, 3. Stolen Turquoise Bracelet

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4. Stolen Turquoise Bracelet, 5. Stolen Bracelet with Two Turquoise Cabs

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6. Stolen Turquoise Bracelet, 7. Stolen Turquoise Bracelet

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8. Stolen Necklace, 9. Stolen Necklace, 10. Stolen Belt

The stolen items include:

If you have any information about the stolen items, please contact Merlin Carlson phone: 928-774-2411, email: Merlin@OldAdobeTraders.com or or the Flagstaff Police Dept. Refer to case #07-24649.

Navajo Tree-of-Life Weaving Stolen from Santa Fe, NM Home, October 3, 2007

On October 3, 2007, a Navajo tree-of-life weaving was reported missing from a Santa Fe, NM home. This weaving is pictured below:

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Stolen Tree-of-Life Weaving

The stolen weaving is a Teec Nos Pos  Tree-of-Life pattern, natural brown background, circa 1920-30, approximate size 60" x 36", with red, black and white border. Please contact the Santa Fe Police Department, case #07-018003, contact person Maurice Dixon 505-986-9007, or contact the owner at deeann@shiprocktrading.com .

Jewelry Stolen from Santa Fe Collector's Home, August 17, 2007

The following items were stolen from a Santa Fe private collector's home on Friday, August 17, 2007. These items are showing up for resale on the internet.  Many of the stolen items are by contemporary Native American artists. Images are posted below:

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Stolen Cuff, Charm Bracelet and Diamond Horseshoe

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Stolen Horseshoe Watch, James Reid Earrings, Rez Ponies Trophy Buckle

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Stolen Concho Belts

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Stolen Cuffs, Rings and Concho Belt

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Stolen Cuff, Ring and Necklaces

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Stolen Cuff, Ring, Earrings, Pin and Rug

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Stolen Earrings and Buckle

The missing items are as follows:

These items are showing up for resale on the internet. If you have any information on these items, please contact the Criminal Investigations Department of the New Mexico State Police and the contact there is: Officer Steve Montano at 505-827-9066 . The City Case # is 07-014498. Anyone wanting to contact the police should contact Officer Montano of the criminal investigations department of the State Police, not the City  1.877.982.8478.

Navajo Textile Missing from Santa Fe Gallery, September, 2007

The following item is missing from Shiprock Santa Fe as of Friday, September 14, 2007.  We believe it was taken sometime after August 20, 2007.  

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Stolen Navajo Pictorial Weaving

It is a small Navajo pictorial textile measuring 28" x 33" by Hilda Begay. Circa 1960s - 1970s.  Wool:  handspun natural; grey, white brown, four-ply; blue, black, red, turquoise, dark brown, green, pink and taupe.  If you have any information regarding this item, please contact Officer Jon Gonzales of the Santa Fe Police Department, case number 07-019762. Or contact Jamie Kahn at 1.877.982.8478, jamie@shiprocktrading.com .

Maria Plate Stolen September, 2007

A plain ware Maria plate was shoplifted from the Faust Gallery, Scottsdale, Arizona, on Saturday, September 8th, 2007.

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Stolen Maria Plate

Description: Black Plain ware Plate signed Maria Poveka, 10 to 11 inch diameter. Anyone with information about this plate should contact David Stock, email: dsnative@cox.net , or contact the gallery at 480-946-6345.

Baskets and Other Items Lost from Truck, 5 August, 2007

Following the Albuquerque show this evening (08/05/07) a box fell out of the truck of one of our employee's while traveling North on I-25 near Bernalillo. He was quickly alerted that the box had fallen out and, by the time he was able to back up to the place where the box was lost, all that was left was one piece of bubble wrap. It is clear that someone retrieved and left with the box and its contents in the few short minutes it took to return to the point of loss. Though we are hoping that the person who picked up the box will contact us (each piece had a tag with our name on it), because of the short time that elapsed for the box to disappear and that our employee was clearly backing up in the median, we suspect that the retrieval of the box may not have been done with good intentions. Photos and descriptions of the missing items are posted below:

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Items Missing After a Box Fell Off a Truck Near Albuquerque, NM, August 5, 2007.

Anyone with information about any of these the missing items should contact David Cook Galleries, phone 303-623-8181, cell 720-838-0262, or e-mail info@davidcookgalleries.com.

19th Century Marquesas Island Ear Ornament

A 19th Century Marquesas Island ear ornament has been stolen from a client of Galerie Meyer in Paris, France.

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Stolen Ear Ornament

A large ha'akai, or ear ornament. The spur is set into the base plate instead of being carved in-one as is the norm. Marquesas Islands, Polynesia. Sperm-whale tooth (physeter catodon) and fiber. Early to mid 19th century. 10 x 8.2 x 3.8 cm. The figure is 3 cm high.

Please contact either Galerie Meyer - Oceanic Art 17 Rue des Beaux-Arts Paris 75006 France TEL: (+ 33) (0) 1 43 54 85 74, FAX: (+ 33) (0) 1 43 54 11 12, MOBILE: (+ 33) (0) 6 80 10 80 22, AJPMEYER@aol.com or contact your local Police if you see this piece or are offered it for sale. a reward is offered for the return of the piece or information allowing the complete recovery of the item. Legal pursuit will be abandoned in exchange for the return of the art work in good condition.

Navajo Weavings and Baskets Stolen from Casa Grande, AZ Residence, July, 2007

Four Navajo Weavings and three Tohono O'odham baskets were discovered missing from a Casa Grande, AZ home on July 25, 2007. Photos of the missing items are posted below:

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Four Stolen Navajo Weavings.

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Three Stolen Tohono O'odham Baskets

Descriptions of the stolen items are as follows:

Anyone with information about these items should contact Deputy Nichols at the Pinal County Sheriff's Department, case #070728059, phone (520) 866-5511, or contact the owner, Marie Kieft, phone (520) 280-9090, email mariekieft@gmail.com .

Sheath and Pipe Stolen in Transit May, 2007

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Stolen Menomini Sheath and Argillite Pipe Bowl

In May, 2007, a Menomini black dyed buckskin and quilled sheath circa 1830, Size 10" x 4-1/4" and an Argillite pipe bowl 8" x 3" (approximately) went missing in transit. Please contact David West at Gallery West phone 520-529-7002 or Gallerywest@AOL.com if you have any information about the missing items.

Regalia Stolen from Gathering of Nations Powow, Albuquerque, NM, April, 2007

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Stolen Contemporary American Indian Regalia

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Stolen Contemporary American Indian Regalia

These are photos of some of the items stolen from Darrell Goodwill's sister and brother-in-law (Melinda and Rick Whitecloud) when they came to the Gathering of Nations Powwow in Albuquerque in April, 2007. Their van was recovered but none of the beadwork, feathers, etc. were found. Please be on the lookout for these or spread the word. in case they appear on the open/black/pawn market any time soon. Thanks! If you have any information, please email the GON web site: website@gatheringofnations.com .

Please help our brothers and sisters recover their regalia! Pass this information on to everyone your know.

THANK YOU

Rifle Case Stolen from San Diego Residence, April, 2007

On April 26, 2007 via UPS we sent a San Diego city resident a very important artwork with a value of $25,000.00. I have enclosed a picture of the item in question and its description. Unfortunately the UPS driver instead of delivering it to the individual who had agreed to purchase it chose to simply leave it in front of the house, from where it was promptly stolen. We did not realize this theft had occurred until this past Thursday when I called the client and inquired why we had not received payment for our invoice which was enclosed in package. He was somewhat shocked and said he had never received a package from us. We immediately contacted UPS who did a trace of the shipment and told us they had simply left it in front of the house without a signature.

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ca. 19th century

A classic Crow rifle case. Beautiful beadwork trimmed with trade cloth. 36" long not including fringe. Forward fringe 22" long, with 30" drop. On buffalo hide. EX: Drew Bax Collection. If you have information about this rifle case, please notify David Garcia, Sherwoods Spirit of America,1005 Paseo de Peralta,Santa Fe, NM 87501, 505-988-1776.

Navajo Weavings stolen from Toadlena Trading Post late 2006 or early 2007

Two rugs were stolen from inventory at Toadlena Trading Post, Newcomb, NM sometime at the end of last year or beginning of this year. Photos are posted here:

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Stolen Two Grey Hills Rug

This two Two Grey Hills Rug, approximately 4' x 7' each, was stolen from the Toadlena Trading Post inventory late in 2006 or early in 2007. Anyone who has information on this rug should contact Mark Winter at the Toadlena Trading Post, toadlena@hotmail.com .

Iroquois Masks and Frames Stolen in Transit to Iroquois Tribe, December, 2006

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Stolen Iroquois False Faces ca. 1830 and Beaded Picture Frames

In December, 2006, two Iroquois false faces (masks) circa 1830 went missing in transit to an Alexandria Bay, NY, home for transfer to the Iroquois tribe. Please contact the owner, Frank Bergevin, at e-mail frank.bergevin@verizon.net if you have any information about the missing items.

Home Burglarized in Eagar, AZ, Dec 18-19, 2006

During the night of December 18-19, 2006, a home was burglarized in Eagar, AZ. Several Navajo rugs, an Acoma seed jar, four Hopi pots and numerous non-Indian items were taken as shown in the photos below:

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Stolen Wide Ruins Rug - Stolen Burntwater Rug - Stolen Yei Rug

Anyone with information on the stolen items should contact the Eagar Police Department, Troy Czarnyszka, phone: 1-928-333-4127, ext 235 or Margarita Shelunchik, e-mail Mshelunchik@att.net.

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Stolen Hans Finsterwalder Wooden Ollas - Stolen Hans F. Wooden Jar - Stolen Cerno Acoma Seed Jar - Other Stolen Indian Pottery

Anyone with information on the stolen items should contact the Eagar Police Department, Troy Czarnyszka, phone: 1-928-333-4127, ext 235 or Mshelunchik@att.net.

Navajo Weavings Stolen from NJ Home, Approximately January 7, 2007

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1) Stolen 3rd Phase Blanket, 2) Stolen Contemporary Blanket, 3) Stolen Transitional Blanket, 4) Stolen Transitional Blanket

If you have any information about these stolen Navajo blankets, please contact New Jersey State Police Detectives Harry Walansky or Brett Hogan at (908) 996-2864 refer to case # 040-2007-00009. a $1000 cash reward is being offered for their return and/or the arrest of the person(s) responsible for this theft.

Items Stolen from Scottsdale, AZ Gallery During the Week of October 9, 2006

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The Stolen Item Descriptions are as Follows:

Please contact the gallery by phone at (480) 251-6383 or e-mail frankhilltribal@earthlink.net if you have any information about these items.

Belt Buckle Stolen in Denver, CO, September, 2006

We received the following message and sketch from Chris Bobrick:

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A customer of ours recently had his back pack stolen out of his car, probably the first week of September, 2006 in Denver Colorado. He had a belt buckle in it that was made for his father with the family brand Lazy V Bar Bar. He drew a picture of it for us since he did not have a photo. If you could post it as stolen it might show up somewhere. Please contact Lew Bobrick if you see it. 303-744-9203

Thanks

Chris & Lew Bobrick

Jewelry and Kachinas Stolen from Nambe, NM Home, August, 2006

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Items Stolen from Nambe, NM Home

If you have any information about these items, please contact Frances Barkmann, 48 County Road 84G, Santa Fe, NM 87506, phone 505-455-2512 or e-mail fran.barkmann@worldnet.att.net .

Bracelet Stolen from Whitehawk Show, Santa Fe, August, 2006

A seven-stone Navajo bracelet bracelet by Mark Chee was stolen from the Whitehawk show approximately August 17, 2006. See photo of bracelet and its signature below:

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Item Stolen from the Whitehawk show

If you have any information about this piece please contact John Krena at 541-554-2025, e-mail johnk@fourwindsgallery.com .

Jewelry Stolen from Whitehawk Show, Santa Fe, August, 2006

Eighteen lots of American Indian and Tribal Jewelry were stolen from the Whitehawk show approximately August 16, 2006. There are no photos. The owner has provided the following descriptions and sketches. If you click to obtain an enlarged image, each enlarged page will print on an 8-1/2" x 11" piece of paper.

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Jewelry Stolen from the Whitehawk show

If you have any information about this case please contact the Santa Fe Police Department at 2515 Camino Entrada, Santa Fe, N. M. 87505. The police report number is 06-014703, the officer's name is Herman and his phone 505-428-3710. You may also contact Heidi Becker at 541-554-2025.

Multi-Row Silver Squash Blossom Necklace and Silver Naja with Turquoise Nuggets - stolen from Santa Fe, NM Residence, July 2006

The following two photos are of a circa 1970s Navajo Silver Necklace and Silver Naja. The Silver Necklace has three rows of silver beads with squash blossoms densely packed (15 blossoms per side) & attached to the third row. The Silver Naja has several Turquoise Nuggets of unusual placement.

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Stolen 1970s Era Squash Blossom Necklace

"A former tenant (including tenant's husband and male associate) had access to owner's property and may be connected to the disappearance of this jewelry. Tenant and associate also had connections to the Santa Fe Opera where the jewelry may have been hidden (per overheard conversation)" .

If you have any information, please contact Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office, Case # 0206007130, Detective Wm. Pacheco, 505-986-2490, or 1-800-742-1144. You may also contact the jewelry's owner, Melanie Deason at 505-438-7708, at 4763 Morning Street, Santa Fe, NM 87507, e-mail melaniesantafe@netzero.net . Thank you for your help. The jewelry once belonged to my elderly mother, who recently passed away.

Caddoan Artifacts Stolen from Arkansas Museum, Spring, 2006

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Sample of Stolen Caddoan Pottery

William C. Temple, Special Agent in Charge (SAC) of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for the State of Arkansas, is requesting the public's assistance in locating and recovering 26 pieces of historically significant Caddo Indian artifacts that date back to 600 A.D. These 26 pieces of ancient Caddo Indian Nation pottery were reported missing in August 2006 from the Arkansas Archeological Survey Research Station located on the campus of Southern Arkansas University in Magnolia, Arkansas. It is suspected the pottery artifacts were likely stolen sometime during a three month period between May 2006 and August 2006.

The full set of images and further details can be found at http://www.ATADA.org/arttheft020708.pdf .

Baskets Stolen from Las Vegas, NV Storage Facility, May, 2006

Three Washoe baskets were stolen from a Las Vegas, NV, Storage Facility in May, 2006.

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Stolen Washoe Baskets

These baskets are all in the range of 9-1/2" to 11" in diameter. If you have any information about this case please contact the Las Vegas, NV police department. The LV Metro Police crime # is 0605152084, the detective handling the case is Robert Hagberg. You may also contact Jim <jdsantini1@verizon.net> .

Two Baskets Stolen from Santa Fe Shipping Facility, April, 2006

The following images are photos of two baskets that were apparently stolen by a UPS employee in April 2006 during transit (it appears likely that this happened at the Santa Fe, N. M., UPS facility). The UPS shipping label and the Kania-Ferrin Gallery label (which does not include the word "gallery" ) were cut off our box and taped onto a large box of toilet paper rolls which the client in Chicago received.

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Stolen Pima Bowl and Stolen Mono Toy Cradle

Basket #1 is a Pima bowl with human figures measuring 7 3/4" d. by 3 1/2" h. Basket #2 is a Western Mono toy basketry cradle measuring 19 1/2" L. by 9 1/2" Wide and 8" deep at the sunshade.

If you have any information about this case please contact the SANTA FE POLICE DEPARTMENT at 2515 Camino Entrada, Santa Fe, N. M. 87505. The police report number is 06-007652, officer's name is Blea and his phone 505-428-3710. You may also contact Kania-Ferrin Gallery, 662 Canyon Rd., Santa Fe, N. M. 87501, contact Joe Ferrin, 505-982-8767, kaniaferrin@aol.com .

Plains Blanket Strip Stolen from Steamboat Springs, CO Museum 3/14/2006

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Stolen Ute or Sioux Blanket Strip

A Sioux or Ute beaded blanket strip was stolen from the Tread of Pioneers Museum in Steamboat Springs, CO, sometime between Tuesday, 3/14 and Wednesday, 3/15, 2006. Description: Ute or Sioux beaded blanket strip, c.1890-1900 size is 5 feet long by 4 inches wide, seed beads on brain tanned hide, primary colors are white background, with red and blue circles (rosettes) with green rectangles (all designs are alternating). Police case # is P0602090, Officer Matthew Harmon #327. Phone: 970-879-1144, www.steamboatsprings.net.

You may contact the museum through Candice Lombardo, Executive Director, Tread of Pioneers Museum, Box 772372, Steamboat Springs, CO 80477. Phone: 970-879-2214 or topmuseum@springsips.com. Thank you for your help!

American Indian Items Stolen from Santa Fe, NM Gallery March 12, 2006

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Stolen Late Classic/Transitional Navajo Blanket

If you have any information on these stolen items, please contact Lane Coulter or Jan Brooks at 1-505-983-3232 or email: acme@nets.com

American Indian Items Stolen from Jackson Hole, WY Home, Spring, 2005

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American Indian Items Stolen from a Jackson Hole, WY Home, Spring, 2005

A Jackson Hole, WY home experienced a theft in Spring, 2005. The stolen items include a Hopi Kachina, a Klagetoh rug, a Red Mesa rug, a Sioux roach, a pair of leather pants said to have been worn by Chief Sitting Bull, a pipe bag said to have been used by Chi