The Remarkable Odyssey of the Stolen Backflap

February 16, 1987
Backflap is removed by grave robbers from tomb at Sipan

1987 - 1992
Backflap is hidden in the village of Sipan to prevent confiscation by Peruvian authorities

1994 or 1995
Backflap is transferred and sold to a group in Lima, Peru

September 5, 1997
Backflap is presented for sale to FBI undercover agents by two dealers at a rest stop on the New Jersey Turnpike.

October 1, 1997
Backflap is transferred to Newark International Airport, New Jersey

October 1, 1997
Backflap is transferred to New York City

October 7, 1997

The backflap is "sold" to FBI undercover agents and the dealers are arrested in the parking lot of a Philadelphia hotel. The backflap is held as evidence.

June, 1998
The Suspects are indicted. Both plead guilty and receive sentences of 9 months in prison

July 15, 1998
Backflap is turned over to a representative of the Peruvian Government by the FBI

July 16 through August 8, 1998
Backflap is loaned to the University of Pennsylvania Museum by Peru for this exhibit

mid-August, 1998
Backflap is transferred to its new home in the Museum of the Nation in Lima, Peru