After 38 years of investigating and searching, three of the more than 264 artifacts stolen from the Erskine Ramsey Archaeological Repository during a burglary in 1980 have been recovered.
Archaeologists believe the three recovered vessels were used for religious rituals or observances.
“Most of us had lost hope we would see any of them,” said Dr. Jim Knight, professor emeritus of anthropology at the University of Alabama. “When I got the call several weeks ago, my heart started pounding. I’ve had a long career as an archaeologist—this is a highlight.”
He said 264 pottery vessels and other artifacts were stolen from the Erskine Ramsay Archaeological Repository in Moundville. Some of the stolen artifacts were some of the highest-quality items recovered from the area, said officials with the University of Alabama Office of Archaelogical Research. Many of the vessels were used for religious rituals, Knight said.
Knight said he believes this is one of the largest antiquity heists in the country. An appraisal of the stolen items conducted in 1980 revealed they are worth around $1 million. Officials now say the artifacts are worth around $3 million.
The recovered artifacts were revealed today at an event at the at Moundville Archaeological Park Museum. Plans for how the recovered artifacts will be exhibited have not been publicly announced.
University of Alabama police recovered the artifacts on Aug. 21, 2018, Knight said. He said the news of the recovered artifacts could not be shared until now due to the ongoing investigation.
A request for comment and questions sent to UA police was not immediately returned Monday afternoon.
Knight said he also could not comment on any police involvement, but he did say the recovery gives him hope that the collection could still be fully intact and may still be in Alabama.
Archaeologists also hope to use more modern technologies to learn more about the recovered artifacts than what they previously knew.
“Now, we have new avenues of research that weren’t available 40 years ago. More research is available about the art, the design, the residues on the artifacts—the clay, finding where they came from. Can do a whole lot more now,” Knight said.
In July, the reward for information leading to the recovery of the artifacts was $20,000. The reward now stands at $25,000.
More information and photos of the stolen artifacts are available at the University of Alabama Office of Archaeological Research.
Anyone can submit tips about the missing artifacts anonymously by calling 205-348-2800.