Over 1,000 historic artifacts stolen in ‘brazen’ heist at California museum

FBI and Oakland Police launch investigation into massive cultural theft

A major art crime investigation is underway after more than 1,000 historic items were stolen from the Oakland Museum of California’s storage facility in an early-morning break-in.

According to officials, the theft occurred around 3:30am on October 15, when unidentified individuals forced entry into the museum’s off-site building and removed a large number of artifacts, including Native American baskets, jewelry, laptops, and other culturally significant pieces.

Museum Director and CEO Lori Fogarty condemned the theft, calling it “a brazen act that robs the public of our state’s cultural heritage.”

Many of the stolen objects had been donated by benefactors, some of whom are now assisting in recovery efforts.

Among the missing pieces is the Slot-Hinged Titanium Neckpiece created by artist Florence Resnikoff in 1982, as well as scrimshaw walrus tusks and other historic artifacts.

The Oakland Police Department confirmed that the FBI’s Art Crime Team, a specialized group of about 20 agents who handle cases involving art theft, forgery, and cultural property trafficking, is working alongside local authorities to track down the perpetrators and recover the items.

The museum had recently launched a new exhibition titled Good Fire: Tending Native Lands, developed with Native fire practitioners and cultural leaders from Northern California.

The exhibit explores Indigenous fire stewardship and its role in ecosystem care, making the theft of Native artifacts particularly painful, according to museum staff.