The LA Times story describes the major effort thieves used to steal the ancient art.
The Los Angeles Times, NBC News and even the BBC have reported more details on the vandalism and theft of ancient Paiute Indian petroglyphs from an area in the volcanic tablelands north of Bishop.
LA Times reporter Louis Sahagun wrote that at least four petroglyphs were cut out of the rock and stolen and dozens of others were scarred by “hammer strikes and saw cuts.” The Times story says it was visitors who found the vandalism and reported it to BLM. According to the Times, the thieves used ladders, electric generators and power saws to steal the ancient art. The story says they “gouged holes in the rock and sheared off slabs that were up to 15 feet above ground and 2 feet high and wide.”
The petroglyphs and the entire area are sacred to the Paiute Tribe. On the BBC news website, NBC News US spoke to Raymond Andrews, the Bishop Paiute Tribal Historic Preservation Officer about the petroglyphs. He said that the ancestors “etched messages in them, so they are sacred. People go and pray to them and try to seek guidance,” said Andrews.
The story quotes BLM Archaeologist Greg Haverstock as saying that there is an elicit market for any archaeological relic but he estimated the dollar value between $500 and $1500.
Raymond Andrews was also quoted as saying, “Like other indigenous groups, we believe in karma. Something is going to happen. We can try to investigate, but some things are out of our hands.”
In Bishop, BLM has stepped up surveillance of the area and offered a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the thieves. Call 760-937-0301.
And yeah … it sucks!
The more I look read, I think we are so far from how the indigenous people lived. We all feel we a entitled to living these convenient lifestyles with Air conditioning in every building and inventions to make our lives easier. But in reality our Mother Earth is hurting for… Read more »
Jerimiah, I believe they belong to us .. us being everyone in the present generation, past generations, and future as well. The native people can have a family bond with it, that is true. But all can have ownership in it, because it connects us with those who went before… Read more »
I hear ya on the connection of the past and present to us all but the they belong to us can be up for debate. I have no problem agreeing it belongs to people that would continue to respect it and see to it that it presence can be open… Read more »
Yeah I hear ya Jeremiah .. I totally agree those who were here then would be and probable are very sad to know how we are treating things and each other. … and yes, it is a reflection of greed, more than capitalism, but then yeah .. the two walk… Read more »
Ken, The intent of mentioning the fence at all, was a reminder of how during the election before last, one political group took ownership of the situation and even promoted the idea that it would be economically feasible and practical to build a Great Wall of China around the entire… Read more »
Needing to control our Southern border is not racism. That’s nonsense. It’s to keep the drug fueled insurrection from spreading to our Southern states and even farther. Do you know how many people have been killed in Mexico in the last 5 years?
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-202_162-57357503/mexican-drug-war-toll-47500-killed-in-5-years/
Seems to me Ken, that the fence/wall Michelle Bachman and other neocons insist on building along the enter southern border fence is not working.
Now what?
Please cite your evidence that, “…the wall [] is not working…”
And who said “the wall” was the only option to control our border?
Ferdinand- i like a good racist joke every now and then, but that doesn’t mean I have to believe I’m one!
go to a latin american country sometime and see if thats how you want your country to be,anyway back to the thefts,money laying on the ground is gonna get picked up,these days anyway p.s.cant show your true opinions about how you feel about how certain races are destroying america,cause that… Read more »
It’s funny to me that exact same people who want to build up walls around all of us, are the same ones who glorify Reagan for his tear down this wall speach. Hypocrites in my book.
I find it interesting that during the last General Election, all we were hearing from the candidates on the Right were how important it was to build an electric fence around the southern border of the U.S.
This year … complete silence from them about the subject.
Benett, Thanks for bringing attention to the not-so-hidden racist slur re: Our Latino brothers and sisters that poster Mark commented on. These are the types that are still incensed that their party quit talking about building an electric fence should be constructed along our southern borders during the General Election.… Read more »
That’s a very ignorant comment. Your just saying that only white people are racist.
I don’t think anyone is saying that. Let’s face it – there are good and bad people of all colors and kinds.
Look for character, not color.
Benett
Well put, Benett. Every now and then there is a trend in America … and it’s an ugly one. Assimilation and extermination policies (over Native Americans) Civil War (over black people) Segregation unrest in the 60s (over black people) Wanting to build fences along borders (over Latino people) And today,… Read more »
Racism occurs in all races, people seem to define it to one race mostly, although, this one race in question has had it’s share of racism .. when it occurs in other races, it seems to be down played as some sort of defense or understandable behavior. Racism is just… Read more »
Steve K, As far as race relations in America, due to: The assimilation of Native Americans (the red man) The Civil War (the black man) The Segregation movement of the 60s (again the black man) The ongoing angst by some that a black man is in the White House (a… Read more »
I agree with what you’re saying mostly Dr, Facts. The comment Mark said only shows how he feels about a certain ethnic part of the population. Even though he feels frustration, it is wrong to make statements like that, but he has that right to say it. I think he’s… Read more »
Did you NOT know there are those on the far-right in America who want to build a fence around the entire southern border to keep Latinos out, Big Al? And did you NOT know racism was at the core of: Native American genocide? The Civil War? Segregation in the 60s?… Read more »
The term, once again, is probably inaccurate. Still is more like it.
BK
I don’t listen to far right radio (hate talk) yet I share some of those negative views. I’m a NPR listening left wing liberal, yet I have a problem with muslims…well, to be honest, I have a problem with most religions, but at least the catholics don’t want to kill… Read more »
Dr. Facts I appreciate more facts on the subject in your latest post, and not all of the rhetoric you seem to enjoy. All of those are true, but that was then, this is now. With comments like … :And today a growing hatred for Muslims, Blacks, Latinos?” That is… Read more »
It is true … there is hatred, it does exist, but it is not on the increase more than it ever was. It does … come from all races as well whether you like to admit or not, it does.
We need to focus on issues right here at home. If we can solve problems between individuals and communities, there is hope for the world. It starts one person at a time, with a great dose of self-honesty.
Benett
I like your style Big Al.
Jeremiah … I just try to be honest in how I see it, I really feel we can not get past it if we keep throwing it around .. know it happened, and know this is now, it’s a new page in the book. How can we make it better?
http://newsone.com/16051/top-10-racist-limbaugh-quotes/
The neocons, who were responsible for the GOPs loss in the General Election (so say the GOP officials) don’t like it when you bring up their guru Rush Limbaugh’s racist trash-talking. I have a question for the neocons on this blog. And it’s a simple one. Please define the word… Read more »
LIBERAL (from Webster) – belonging to the people, to grow up, rise, suitable for a free man; not restricted; giving freely; generous; large or plentiful; ample; abundant; not restricted to the literal meaning; not strict; tolerant of views differing from one’s own, broad-minded; not orthodox or conventional as distinguished from… Read more »
What Big Al doesn’t want to admit is a FACT – In 2006, Congress authorized the Secure Fence Act – a multi-billion dollar plan to build hundreds of miles of fencing along the southern border of the United States to stem the flow of undocumented immigrants and provide security from… Read more »
The Great Wall of China seemed to work well, in a war scenario, for the Chinese (700-200 BC and beyond) who kept guard stations at certain intervals with soldiers and barracks at the ready. Our border situation is very different and needs a different solution.
BK
Read my post to Benett, then look at all your negitive votes.
If the Tribe and their Casino can’t come up with a substantial contribution towards a hefty reward I question their own dedication to the preservation of the history of their people.
I think at least a $10k donation is in order.
Mark- after your birth control comment above, I’m sure the Tribe will honor your opinion.
It doesn’t bother me if they fail honor their heritage by following my suggestion. The ball is in their court, they may in fact be their own worse enemy when it comes to the survival of their heritage.
Yeah I hear ya Mark .. there are a lot of dynamics in what you are speaking, I totally get it.
Agreed, Raymond Andrews doesn’t seem to care all that much so why should we. Karma indeed.
Come on, Bob. Each to his own view of the world.
BK
The demand for artifacts like these will only increase over time. Unless some type of security is installed at these sites, this will happen again. 🙁
This is a story about stolen native american artifacts that were centuries old. 17 out of the 30 comments have absolutely NOTHING to do with the story at hand. You people can cry & bellyache all you want about who’s living in the White House, but it’s non-negotiable. DEAL WITH… Read more »
Thank you, Big Rick.
Benett
Rush Limbaugh blasted President Obama for thanking the Native Americans and using “every cliché” during the White House’s official Thanksgiving proclamation. The conservative radio talk show host said he was so shocked by Obama’s “wildly distorted” version of the holiday that he initially thought it was “a prank.” Limbaugh read… Read more »
I sometimes wonder if the Rabid Right is aware that their government-hating rhetoric sounds exactly like what inspired Timothy McVeigh?
How is anybody as small minded as rush Limbaugh and how does anybody want to repeat anything he ever says. Hey 100% conservative sorry to say but your fundamentalist beliefs and ideology’s are not being picked up by the younger generations, so you may be proud of yourself but I… Read more »
Rush Limbaugh, as every hardcore neoconservative knows, is the head guru for the neocon movement. Millions of people tune in to listen to his nasty anti-government rants 3 hours a day, 5 days a week, and reruns on weekends. His power and influence over these types is unfathomable. Certain psychological… Read more »
Do you ever have any constructive input, as I see it you just babble.
I’m not the judge but I think its safe to say that somebody is going to hell for sure.
Thanks for supplying all those FACTS Big Al.
Clearly in situations of debate, FACTS are always superior to conjecture, Right, Big Al?
It is starting to appear that the thieves were a bunch of blundering idiots. By some dumb luck, they have gotten away with it (at least for now). I sure hope that the Feds have gathered their finest to crack the case (we’ll have to wait and see). The reward… Read more »
What else do you want to know?
BK
When and where? Locations with out being exact. Did I read that it took place in 5 location? 5 location within the same area, like different panels. Or 5 locations through-out the Table Lands? Its a big area. If it took place in one area has the BLM gone and… Read more »
I’ll find out some of those answers. The vandalism was discovered October 31. It’s our understanding that five or six panels in the same location were sawed out of the mountains. One was broken and left sitting at the site. Many other panels were damaged. Don’t know about other locations… Read more »
Enemies Of the Inyo are only good at blocking off roads to their fellow citizens. Leave the investigating to Law Enforcement and concerned citizens who might have observed something.
Maybe Friends of the Inyo can get some kind of a grant or loan of some kind to help with search efforts?? Might do a better job than our “land managers.”
Just sayin.
This line in your story is twisting history “vandalism and theft of ancient Paiute Indian petroglyphs”. The Paiute people have only been in this area for 500 years. The petroglyphs were made by an archaic people that lived in the area for over 10,000 years. The artifacts that have been… Read more »
If they belong to all of us, don’t they also belong to the Paiute Tribe? The Paiute Tribe members consider the creators of the petroglyphs their ancestors and from them and their ancient artworks gain spiritual help. Let’s respect that.
Benett Kessler
Benett,
Agreed. We should respect that.
Then perhaps we should then respect the treaties made with ALL Native Americans.
If memory serves me, everyone of the treaties was broken.
Over 500 treaties were made with American Indian tribes, primarily for land cessations, but 500 treaties were also broken, changed or nullified when it served the government’s interests. The cause of Poverty is the iron-wrong system that was implement since day 1 to decapitate and handicapped the already poor and… Read more »
In re-writing its own history about Thanksgiving, white America tells a Disney like fairy tale story about the English pilgrims and their struggle to survive in a new and harsh environment. The pilgrims found help from the friendly Native American tribe Wampanoag Indians in 1621. But unfortunately for Native Americans… Read more »
I was not trying to say the petroglyphs don’t belong to the Paiute’s. I was trying to point out the fact that the petroglyphs were not made by them. But they like the rest of us they found them. I want to know more about the early first humans that… Read more »
Quite possibly so. You’re right about being open to research.
BK
Steve, Are you one of those Rabid Right folk who are making so much noise today that after the shellacking they took in the General Election, the GOP has been desperately (and wisely, if they ever want to win another election) trying to distance themselves from? Doesn’t this type believe… Read more »
Oh here we go .. make it a political issue!
Sorry Big Al … but if you haven’t noticed … EVERYTHING is a political issue.
Ever watch Fox News or listen to Rush Limbaugh?
It’s all you hear.
Get used to it.
Dr. … yes I understand that very well. political correctness, but iis advanced in cases such as this .. something that really has nothing to do with any political agenda or issue, gets thrown into the political arena by individuals who just can’t seem to function without causing a stir,… Read more »
Quit watching Fox News and stop listening to Rush Limbaugh! It’s all YOU hear because that’s ALL you listen to!
Things the Crazy-Right is having difficulty with: Ohio really did go to President Obama. And he really did win. He really was born in Hawaii. He really is legitimately President of the United States. Again. The Bureau of Labor Statistics did not make up a fake unemployment rate last month.… Read more »
GOP not crazy about neocons,
Finally us ” TAKERS” out number the “MAKERS”. It’s about time. That’s what the last election proved.
It is much better to “RECEIVE” than “GIVE”.
Or to put it another way. There’s more people riding in the wagon then pulling the wagon.
Obama won the election. Maybe you should cheer up and get on with your life instead of obsessing over people you don’t agree with.
Steve K, You too, have been paying close attention to what’s been going on. Not sure of the medical/psychological term, but there are most certainly those who not only cannot put things to bed and get on with their lives, but are so stuck and obsessed, they think they are… Read more »
Hmmm … 14 thumbs down. The Right on this clearly has a difficult time accepting that Obama has been elected … Again. They sadly believe that only one party should be in charge. Not two working together to solve our myriad of problems. And one party is in charge, what… Read more »
“And one party is in charge, what we learned in school was called fascism. I see Boehner and company are busy at work thwarting all Obamas suggestions” I guess what you are trying to point out is the Boehner and company are doing their best to thwart fascism? I doubt… Read more »
erik,
The country and the state of California has spoken (in the General Election)
Obama has been elected . Again.
I suggest you try harder accepting this reality.
Also that minorities are here to stay, and Latinos voted in record-breaking fashion … for Obama.
Latinos are no longer a minority in many areas.
A little birth control would go a long ways
Why do you feel a need to limit Latinos?
Benett
Benett I did not say I feel the need to limit Latinos. I do feel population is much of our invironmental problems. We as humans have a resposiblity to not ruin this World by over populating it. You were wrong to make such an assumption as that is not what… Read more »
Not sure which path you’re talking about. You did say something like there are a lot of Latinos and birth control would go a long way. Hey, no big deal, but it’s not hard to connect these dots.
Benett
Fascism, you beat that Lewis quote like a drum. It was said in bitter malice to smear his political enemies, which is probably why you love it. Wiser and more learned people have had a more measured take on tyranny. Here’s what one of the foremost political historians of all… Read more »
Tourbillon –
The majority of America and California have spoken at the polls.
Live with it.
You may no longer need any Limbaugh or Tea Party fascist idealisms after a while. May even make you feel happier.
That’s funny Tourbillon, I don’t read Sinclair Lewis’ mega-popular novel “It Can’t Happen Here” and his warning – “When fascism comes to America – it will be wrapped in a flag an carrying a cross” as anything other than a very real warning about what actually happened in Germany could… Read more »
What’s funny Methinks is your failure (and Lewis’) to admit that facts mean anything. Fascism never arrived anywhere carrying a cross. It did not arrive in Germany carrying a cross. It did not arrive in Italy carrying a cross. It did not arrive in Spain or Japan carrying a cross.… Read more »
Culture, it is clear you don’t know what fascism is and think it’s just a handy insult to toss around because you’ve seen other people do it and thought them clever. Suffice it to say that as that odious system was practiced in Europe last century, it was highly statist,… Read more »
Whatever the label, we are the only developed country in the world that does not provide health care for all of its people. Without healthy people, a society falters, and in our case, the costs through the health insurance industry and certain medical practices mean we spend more money on… Read more »
Exactly Benett. Our rapaciously capitalistic high-cost, low-result healthcare system is a national shame…
Thank you Steve! I was born and lived in Bishop for 35 years and we knew the Paiute’s did not have anything to do with those ancient petroglyphs and they knew it to. But all of a sudden they lay claim to them which I could never figure out why.… Read more »
Sounds like Leslie has been raised to … ahem … dislike our Native Americans and the Paiutes especially.
Such is the ongoing … ahem … dislike (and division) that continues amongst that certain type of American – The White, Anglo-Saxon Protestant kind.
Oy vay!
I have no dislike what so ever. Grew up with them, went to school with them. Partied with them. Then all of a sudden in the 70’s they started to dislike the white people. I hadn’t changed a bit but they were becoming angry and lashing out, So I had… Read more »
Are you serious??? Maybe you should have confronted Mr. Howard. You are just racist.
Pretty funny rant Ana. When someone says something that you disagree with, call them a racist. This is getting pretty old.
Thats not a rant LOL. Just calling like it is.
I hear what Leslie is saying .. but some people can’t see it, what she really is saying. But she is only telling part of the story, her part of it and how she has seen it to be. That doesn’t make her racist as some would say. Things that… Read more »
Well said, Big Al.
BK
Just a very sad story on every count. Around 9 or 10 years ago I reported to the BLM a petroglyph removed from the tablelands, they basically had nothing to say, very surprisingly nothing at all. This petroglyph was at the end of the now closed road popular with rock… Read more »