**BRUSSELS** — The recent art heist has ignited significant concern given the priceless cultural significance of its prize: an ancient helmet adored by Romania and deemed a crucial artifact by the Netherlands. This golden Cotofenesti helmet, dating back approximately 2,500 years, is celebrated as one of Romania’s most cherished treasures from the Dacia civilization. It was being showcased at the small Drents Museum in the eastern Netherlands, where it was stolen during the final weekend of its six-month exhibition.
The theft of the helmet, alongside three golden wristbands also on display, sent shockwaves throughout the global art community and left Romanian officials dismayed, as they believed they were placing their artifacts in a country known for its robust museum security. “It is a pitch dark day for us,” expressed museum director Harry Tupan.
By late Monday, investigators had uncovered few leads, apart from a burned-out vehicle near the museum, suggesting that the thieves aimed to erase evidence of their escape. Romanian President Klaus Iohannis highlighted the “exceptional cultural and historical importance” of the artifacts to Romanian heritage, emphasizing that their loss carries a “strong emotional and symbolic impact on society.”
Describing the heist, Ernest Oberlander-Tarnoveanu, director of Romania’s National History Museum, remarked that it was an occurrence unimaginable even in their darkest dreams. Justice Minister Radu Marinescu condemned the act as a “crime against our state” and reiterated the imperative need to recover the stolen items.
Given the helmet’s iconic status and detailed design, it is believed to be nearly impossible to sell, heightening concerns that the thieves might be motivated by its gold content. Dutch art expert Arthur Brand stated, “It is simply unsellable. The whole world knows it. So, they likely went for the gold to — I almost dare not utter the words — melt it.” Destroying the artifact would strip it of its immense cultural and historical significance. With gold prices hovering around 85,000 euros ($89,000) per kilo, and the helmet’s weight being slightly under that, the financial incentive could be substantial.
Tupan emphasized, “It is not only about the gold. It is about the cultural heritage. And it has been taken in a strange way and hurts incredibly.” Surveillance footage released by law enforcement captures the moment three suspects forcibly entered the museum with a crowbar before an explosion is seen, suggesting a hasty escape with the critically important artifacts.
As Tupan characterized the situation, “Security, as it is supposed to be, was as far as we know, totally as it should be. And now, it is a small battlefield. There is nothing else for us to do but sit and wait and see what will happen.”
