The Drents Museum in the Netherlands is reeling from the theft of a priceless ancient golden helmet, a national treasure from Romania. The intricate Cotofenesti helmet, dating back 2,500 years, was on display when it was stolen along with three golden wristbands. Romanian authorities are desperate to recover the artifacts, fearing they may be melted down for their gold content.
The theft of an ancient golden helmet from a museum in the Netherlands has sent shockwaves through the art world and devastated Romanian authorities. The intricate Cotofenesti helmet, dating back some 2,500 years and considered one of Romania’s most revered national treasures from the Dacia civilization, was on display at the Drents Museum in eastern Netherlands when thieves made off with it along with three golden wristbands.
\ Romanian President Klaus Iohannis said the artifacts have “exceptional cultural and historical importance” for Romanian heritage and identity, and that their disappearance had “a strong emotional and symbolic impact on society.” The theft, which occurred on the last weekend of the helmet’s 6-month exhibition, was captured on grainy security video showing three people breaking into the museum and making off with the artifacts in a matter of minutes. Investigators had found few clues by late Monday, indicating the thieves wanted to cover their tracks. \ Romanian Justice Minister Radu Marinescu called the incident a “crime against our state” and said recovering the artifacts “is an absolute priority.” The helmet’s fame and dramatic studded appearance means it could never easily be sold, raising fears that the thieves were after the gold itself. Dutch art expert Arthur Brand said, “It is simply unsellable. The whole world knows it. So, they likely went for the gold to — I almost dare not utter the words — melt it.” The theft has cast a shadow over the museum, which had believed itself to be secure. Drents Museum director Harry Tupan said, “Security, as it is supposed it be, was as far as we know, totally as it should be. And now, it is a small battlefield. There is nothing else for us to do but sit and wait and see what will happen.
ROMANIA THE NETHERLANDS ART THEFT ANCIENT HELMET CULTURAL HERITAGE DENTS MUSEUM
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