September 02, 2009

Scalps for sale on Craigslist

Scalps online

By Trevor MaxwellThe FBI is investigating recent posts on craigslist that offered to sell "Maine Indian scalps" to "white people only," according to court documents and the leader of the Penobscot Indian Nation, who reported the situation to state and federal officials.

The person who posted the items claimed to have six scalps and related artifacts that were obtained by bounty hunters in the 1700s and came into his possession through a private family collection.

The posts included a Maine cell phone number and the contact name "Whitely Bradford." The phone was not accepting calls this week, and the posts are no longer accessible on craigslist, a popular Web site that allows people to sell, buy and trade goods and services.

It is unclear whether the scalps exist, or whether the person who posted the ad was trying to carry out an elaborate hoax. But based on dates and other details in the posts, federal investigators and Penobscot leaders have proceeded under the assumption that they are legitimate.
Comment:  A story about selling venerated Native remains or artifacts online appears in the media every year or so.

If I had to guess, I'd guess this was a hoax. If "Bradford" had anything to sell, it was probably bits of hair from some dead pet or roadkill.

Wonder if he got the idea from Inglourious Basterds, with its depictions of scalping. Or from SCALPED #1, with its description of a scalping.

For more on the subject, see Scalping, Torture, and Mutilation by Indians.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Probably a hoax(as usual). As if the inbreed is desperate for cash(rightfully so). I'd bet on it that the so called "scalps" are from a rabid lace infested roadkill. But seriously though, I couldn't give a wit if this racist loon rips off another "Whitely" who gullibly falls for it.

jean said...

Even if it was a hoax its seriously worrying.

Unknown said...

Even if it is a hoax I truly hope they locate this individual. He should be held accountable for his actions as an example to others who would consider such sick jokes acceptable.