Missouri cave with Native American artwork sells for $2.2 million

A Missouri cave containing Native American artwork from more than 1,000 years ago was sold at auction today , disappointing leaders of the Osage Nation who hoped to buy the land.

The cave has more than 290 prehistoric hieroglyphic symbols.

A bidder agreed to pay $2.2 million to private owners for what’s known as “Picture Cave,” along with just over 40 acres of land about 60 miles west of St. Louis.

The winning bidder declined to be named.

The Osage Nation, in a statement, called the sale “truly heartbreaking”

Some are hoping new owner will donate it to the Osage Nation.