University offers reward for artworks

The University of British Columbia is offering a $50,000 reward for the safe return of 15 gold objects recently stolen from its Museum of Anthropology (MOA). On Tuesday, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police announced that "a substantial reward" will also be offered by the university's insurance company.

Twelve of the pieces were created by the late Haida artist Bill Reid. The combined value of the missing artworks is estimated at $2 million.

"The theft of these art objects is a loss of cultural patrimony for the whole of Canada," MOA director Anthony Shelton said in a news release. Reid (1920-1998) is one of the region's most acclaimed artists, known for helping resurrect traditional Haida symbolism and art forms. He made exquisite jewelry as well as larger sculptures in wood and bronze.

Thieves broke into the museum between closing time May 23 and the next morning and took the items.

Police have not released further information on the break-in.

Also stolen from the MOA were three pieces of Mexican jewelry -- a bracelet and two necklaces made of gold coins.

Anyone with information can contact the RCMP at 778-886-2870.

Pictures of all the artworks can be found at www.ubc.ca/stolenart.