Indian Artifacts Stolen From Southern Arkansas University

An invaluable collection of intact bowls and bottles crafted centuries ago by Caddo Indians has been stolen from a storeroom at Southern Arkansas University. Bobby Gonzalez, the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act coordinator for Caddo Nation in Binger, Okla., says vessels are put in the ground with the deceased so they have food and drink on the way to the afterlife. "Looting of gravesites is a common problem. Its truely upsetting. How would you feel if someone stole something from one of your family member`s grave?" Gonzales said during a phone interview. The 26 stolen pieces were among a large collection unearthed in 1980 at a Caddo burial site named Cedar Grove in Lafayette County. Dr. Jamie Brandon of Southern Arkansas University says the collection has been photograghed extensively making the items much harder to sell. "I hope the people responsible for this crime are found and prosecuted, but beyond that I want the items returned," Brandon said. The FBI is aiding in the investigation, but so far no suspects have been arrested.