Indiana News

Ball State Museum Faces Question of Featuring Stolen Artwork

MUNCIE, Ind. (AP) — A 1,000-year-old Hindu idol on display at Ball State University's art museum has come under question since the dealer of the artifact became the subject of a federal investigation. A blogger who has helped identify many stolen idols believes that the small bronze statue depicting the marriage of deities Shiva and Parvati was taken from a temple in India.

The Ball State museum bought the artifact 10 years ago from a New York City art dealer who's accused of being one of the world's most prolific art smugglers.

But museum director Robert La France tells The (Muncie) Star Press (http://tspne.ws/1gznB7r ) that there's no proof the statue was stolen.

The art dealer was arrested in Germany in 2011 and extradited a year later to India, where he's awaiting trial.

Related posts

Elkhart County Jail Staffer Becomes Inmate

David Scheie

Hundreds still impacted by Sunday storms

Darrin Wright

High Waters Likely Closes Southern Indiana Beach For Summer

Tom Franklin