Cave full of ancient art sells for $2M

As reported at CNN and elsewhere, a Missouri cave filled with ancient artwork was sold at auction for $2.2 million. Trouble is, the deal really pissed off the leaders of the Osage Nation who had previously tried to buy the property.

"It is our ancestors who are buried there in that cave," Andrea Hunter, tribal historic preservation officer for the Osage Nation, explained. "It is our ancestors that created the images that are on the walls and conducted the rituals that took place. It is absolutely the most sacred site that we have. And it rightfully should be in our ownership."

The landmark, known as Picture Cave, contains Native American wall drawings from more than 1,000 years ago. The site was consigned by a family who had owned the property since 1953 and primarily used it for hunting. They approached Selkirk Auctioneers & Appraisers, the firm responsible for the sale, after talks with the tribe failed.

No word what the winning bidder will do with the epic cave, but I think we can all agree not listing it on Airbnb would be a waste and almost certainly anger the gods.

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Painting for the People

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