This was sent to us at the THC regarding a robbery at the Texas
Archeological Research Laboratory. Perhaps other museums should be on the
look out for these stolen items.

 >>Dear friends-
 >>
 >>Laura Nightengale of Texas Archeological Research Laboratory (TARL) at the
 >>University of Texas here in Austin called me this morning and told me that
 >>there was a break-in and robbery at TARL just prior to July 28. The
 >>break-in was discovered as preparations were made for the tour by stewards
 >>during the TASN meeting on that date. The news is just now coming out
 >>because University officials did not want the loss publicized, apparently
 >>feeling that concealing the embarrassment of the break-in was more
 >>important than recovery of the artifacts (this is my speculation, and not
 >>Laura's report or opinion). This was in opposition to the desires of TARL
 >>staffers and law enforcement officials, who felt that early publicity
 >>would greatly enhance the chance of recovery. So at this late date I must
 >>tell you that the vessel collection at TARL was hit, and it appears after
 >>an exhaustive inventory that 24 perfect or nearly perfect vessels were
 >>taken, all but 4 or 5 of them being Caddo pots, including some of the most
 >>famous and beautiful examples known. Security has been greatly improved
 >>at TARL since the incident, but that does not mitigate the loss of these
 >>specimens. The word is now going out, and notice should be posted on
 >>texarch-l shortly. Within a few days, TARL will be posting images of the
 >>items on their web site. Given the elapsed time, it is likely that the
 >>objects are long gone, but there is a small chance that they are still in
 >>the state or even still in Austin. You can help by keeping your eyes and
 >>ears open. If you happen to know collectors who buy artifacts, especially
 >>Caddo pottery, please notify them of the theft. Dealers should also be
 >>informed; presumably they would not wish to deal in stolen goods. If you
 >>have the time, you might check web sites where pottery vessels are sold,
 >>and notify them of the theft. In a few days the images should be
 >>available on the TARL web site, so that the vessels can be identified if
 >>they surface. Notice of the posting will be disseminated through
 >>texarch-l and other means. I will notify all of my East Texas contacts
 >>when the images are available. This is a profound loss to archeology, to
 >>art, and to the Caddo. Let's hope that the items will be recovered and
 >>that the thieves will be apprehended and punished.
 >>
 >>I am sending this to nearly everyone on my contact list. I apologize if
 >>you receive double or triple postings.
 >>
 >>Mark
 >>Mark L. Parsons
 >>East Texas Regional Archeologist
 >>Texas Historical Commission
 >>512-463-7004 (phone)
 >>512-463-7002 (FAX)
 >>[log in to unmask]
 >>agency website: www.thc.state.tx.us


Annette Bethke, Outreach Associate
Texas Historical Commission
History Programs Division
(512) 463-1305
[log in to unmask]

=========================================================
Important Subscriber Information:

The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes).

If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).