Theft of Romanian artefacts: the fallout?
Several priceless Romanian gold artefacts were stolen from the Drents Museum in Assen in the Netherlands late on Friday night. Among the looted exhibits on loan for a special exhibition about the ancient kingdom of Dacia were the Helmet of Coțofenești, a ceremonial golden headdress dating back 2,500 years, as well as three gold bracelets. For commentators, the theft is about far more than the loss of gold and silver artefacts.
Direct attack on national identity
Republica.ro publishes a commentary piece by Daniel van Soest, a journalist from the Netherlands who lives in Romania, which also appeared on the Dutch blog portal Joop:
“In Romania, the loss of the Helmet of Coțofenești feels like a direct attack on national identity because of the rarity of this type of object. But emotionally it's even more than that. It's as if a small country with only one gold treasure lends this treasure to a country full of art treasures and with a rich museum tradition, but of all the precious things it is that particular gold treasure that ends up being robbed. This has sparked a wave of outrage in Romania, and intensified the feeling of being treated unfairly. As if Romanian interests didn't not deserve to be taken seriously.”
A lot riding on this helmet
This robbery could decide who becomes Romania's next president, author Vasile Ernu writes in Libertatea:
“This theft will have an enormous political impact. Why? Because it is perceived as a theft of identity and historical legitimacy. ... And that's how this incident will be intrumentalised. All attempts by historians and experts are in vain. On the contrary, everything that comes from official sources will only make matters worse. The state, state institutions, officials and experts will be perceived as accomplices in this identity theft. ... The Dacian helmet will determine who becomes the next president, because this theft will play a central role in the re-run of the presidential elections.”
Who benefits?
Spotmedia suspects Russia is behind the robbery:
“The incident could further fuel tensions between Romania and its European allies. This context could in turn favour the pro-Russian far-right candidate Călin Georgescu. ... The treasure is being used as a hybrid instrument to mobilise nationalist sentiments. These emotions could in turn be manipulated to strengthen support for the Russophile candidate and his supporters, many of whom are obsessed with Dacian historical myths. We should not forget that Russia has stepped up its hybrid operations in Europe in recent years.”