The Royal Canadian Mounted Police have recovered 13 of 15 gold artworks stolen in May from the University of British Columbia's Museum of Anthropology.
Most of the artworks are cultural treasures by the late Haida artist Bill Reid, along with three pieces of Mexican jewelry made of gold coins. The collection together was valued at $2 million. The most highly treasured object, Reid's exquisite gold box with a sculpted eagle on the top, has been recovered intact.
Both of the objects still missing, an argillite pipe and an eagle brooch, are also by Reid. Details of the May 24 break-in have not been made public, but an RCMP news release said that investigators searched two British Columbia residences and took three suspects into custody. It adds that the two objects still missing have probably already been sold to an individual or stolen property dealer. Police ask that anyone with information contact them at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or www.bccrimestoppers.com.
Sheila Farr: sfarr@seattletimes.com
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