Copper Axe Stolen from Exhibits!

(Updated info at: SRAC "River, Rocks, and Time")

The following is a forward from Cahokia Mounds Staff regarding the recent theft of a copper celt that was on display at the Museum, similar to the one shown on this link.

http://www.geocities.com/fdocc3/figure4.jpg

"Copper Axe Stolen from Exhibits

We recently discovered that a copper celt (axe) had been stolen from one of our exhibit cases. The thieves apparently were able to compromise the security of the case at the "Fiber" display. It was solid copper, 5+ inches long, 2 inches wide, and 7/8 inch thick. One side had fabric impressions on the surface caused by the copper oxidizing and incorporating the pattern of the cloth or bag in which it originally had been wrapped. There was a catalog number on it, 19 x 862. Please keep an eye out for this axe and if you see it or something similar for sale, please contact us.
This comes at a time when we are understaffed due to budget cuts but we are taking special steps to make sure all the cases are more secure. Other than some minor vandalism, this is the first artifact theft at the Interpretive Center in the 20 years since it opened.

William R. Iseminger
Asst. Site Manager/Public Relations
Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site
30 Ramey Street
Collinsville, IL 62234
Email: cahokia.mounds@sbcglobal.net
Web: www.cahokiamounds.com"