[MSN] A primitive stone mixing bowl set, dated at 1, 000 A.D., and valued at about $50, 000 is being sought by investigators with the Independence County Sheriff's Office.

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Artifacts missing
November 5, 2007

A primitive stone mixing bowl set, dated at 1,000 A.D., and valued at about
$50,000 is being sought by investigators with the Independence County
Sheriff's Office.

Deanna M. Garrison of Reed Wade Road reported the theft from her home Friday
to Deputy Pat Collins.

According to Garrison, the stone bowl and rolling pin like grinding rock
were kept atop her entertainment center, along with authentication papers by
an appraiser.

Collins said Garrison told him the family had a guest stay overnight with
them Thursday, and when she left to take her children to school Friday
morning, the guest was still there asleep. She said then went shopping and
returned home around 9 a.m. and the guest was gone.

According to Garrison, she was putting away her purchases when she noticed
the centerpiece missing.

"They have been in the Jacksonport State Museum since 1969," Garrison said.
"My husband's grandfather had loaned them to the museum for display and they
returned them to us less than two years ago.

"They were authenticated to be dated 1,000 A.D., of Central American origin
and made of some sort of lava material.

"I honestly don't know the value, but think $50,000 is a low estimate on
their value," Garrison said.

Collins said the mixing bowl set, listed in mint condition, bore
identification numbers from the museum as well as authentication papers.

Criminal Investigations Division Lt. Brenda Bittle said this morning the
department will contact area law enforcement agencies, antique dealers and
auction houses to be on the alert for the items and hope that because of
their uniqueness they can be found soon.

Besides the guest, another suspect was listed in the theft.

---from submitted reports

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