Kolomoki Mounds State Historic Park: Missing Pottery
During the late 1940s and early 1950s archaeological excavations in Burial Mounds D and E at the Kolomoki site yielded a wealth of information and dozens of ceremonial pottery vessels. The information and the impressive collection of pottery were incorported into educational displays in the park museum. Unfortunately, in March 1974, the majority of this pottery was stolen during an overnight intrusion and theft at the museum. Some pieces were recovered in later years but most of the collection is still missing. The
following pages provide brief descriptions and photographs of the pottery that was stolen and is still missing from the museum. These pots and pieces belong to the
State of Georgia. This ritual burial pottery has national historical significance and is sacred to our Native American people. The missing Kolomoki pottery represents some of the
finest craftsmanship of the Swift Creek and Weeden Island Indian cultures, not only at the Kolomoki site but in the Southeastern United States.
If you have any information concerning the pottery and pieces listed in
the following pages, please contact the park office at (229) 724-2150.
The leads can be called in anonymously if that is what you choose. Our
main goal is the return of these historical and sacred items back to the Kolomoki Mounds
Museum and the State of Georgia; identifying the original thief is now a secondary concern.
If you have any information or questions, please feel free to contact us
at any time.
Want more information about the archaeology at the Kolomoki Site and its Native American cultures? View an educational poster prepared by the Society for Georgia Archaeology containing photographs of the Kolomoki Mounds, showing some of the missing pottery during excavation. (This requires an ADOBE Acrobat Viewer.).
More information on Kolomoki Archaeology. View an educational packet for teachers prepared by the Society for Georgia Archaeology (This requires an ADOBE Acrobat Viewer.).
View a newpaper article about the stolen and missing Kolomoki pottery.
Last updated on 5/10/06.