Juneau police are investigating a theft of four carved Tlingit shields that hung in the entryway of an elementary school.
Harborview Elementary School Principal Tom McKenna told the Juneau Empire that the area was a gathering place for families and a place where students were photographed in honor of their achievements.
The shields were taken last week between Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday morning.
Anyone with information is asked to contact authorities.
It’s been eight years since Tlingit artist Benjamin Schleifman was commissioned by the Juneau School District Indian Studies Program to carve the shields.
He said the theft is heartbreaking.
Police official Erann Kalwara said the department estimates the shields are worth at least $1,000 apiece.
McKenna said the shields carry cultural and sentimental value in the community.
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