Tragic Thefts From Hopi Tribe

I am very sorry to hear of the altar pieces stolen from the Hopi (“Desperate Deadline,” June 7).

It is tragic that these devoted people who have very little to sustain them besides their faith have to suffer loss as a result of the greed of robbers who would take their objects of worship.

It is bad enough when artifacts are taken from grave sites; but these people are living and need their altar pieces made sacred through their worship.

Perhaps museums and shops should be required to return to the relevant tribes all such sacred objects, so that robbers are not tempted to steal more. Of course, that wouldn’t stop the plunder, but perhaps it could slow it down.

LAURA BIRELY

Venice