The world’s longest treasure hunt has seemingly reached its conclusion with the recent announcement from France that a buried statuette of a golden owl has finally been found, ending a 31-year quest. The news was confirmed in a post on Thursday morning on the official chatline dedicated to the hunt, stating, “We confirm that the replica of the golden owl was dug up last night, and that simultaneously a solution has been sent on the online verification system.”
This message was shared by Michel Becker, the artist who not only illustrated the original book associated with the Chouette d’Or (Golden Owl) treasure hunt but also sculpted the buried statuette back in 1993. The post advised enthusiasts that traveling to potential digging sites was now pointless, as the treasure had been located.
While the announcement sparked excitement, details regarding the exact location of the find or the identity of the discoverer remain under wraps. Becker has not been reachable for comment, leaving many eager participants in the dark about these critical aspects.
Over the years, tens of thousands of treasure hunters, known as chouetteurs, have actively engaged in the search, which has led to the creation of extensive secondary literature, including books, pamphlets, and various online resources. Participants have been working to solve a series of 11 intricate puzzles outlined in the original book by its creator, Max Valentin. Following Valentin’s death in 2009, Becker assumed control of the hunt.
The complex clues were designed to lead treasure hunters to a specific location in France, where a bronze replica of the actual golden owl was buried. The grand prize for the successful finder was the genuine gold owl, making the stakes exceptionally high for those involved in the long-running quest.
As the news of the reported find circulated, the chouetteur community erupted in excitement on social media. One user posted, “Finally – liberated!” while another expressed disbelief at the momentous occasion, saying, “I didn’t think I’d live to see the day.” Comparisons to the end of the COVID-19 pandemic were made, with one hunter commenting, “So good when it’s over.”
However, not all participants shared the same enthusiasm. Some remained skeptical, questioning whether the statuette had been found through legitimate means. Concerns were raised that the finder might have used a metal detector, which could violate the rules of the hunt. According to the regulations, the successful participant must demonstrate that they solved the puzzles correctly rather than merely stumbling upon the treasure.
The treasure hunt had faced numerous legal complications after Valentin’s passing, with disputes arising over Becker’s role and authority. While Becker initially had no knowledge of the precise location of the buried owl, the solution was securely held in a sealed envelope by Valentin’s family. Once the legal issues were resolved, Becker reviewed the solution, traveled to the designated site, and confirmed the statuette’s presence.
In recent years, Becker has also made efforts to engage a new generation of chouetteurs by releasing additional clues, reigniting interest in the treasure hunt and inspiring younger participants to join in the quest.
As the dust settles from this monumental find, many in the chouetteur community are left reflecting on their own experiences and the journey they’ve undertaken. Some are eager to learn the solutions to the puzzles to assess whether they were on the right track during their own searches.
The end of the hunt marks a significant milestone in a unique cultural phenomenon that has captivated treasure seekers for over three decades. It serves as a testament to the enduring allure of treasure hunting and the deep sense of community that has developed among those involved.
While the golden owl statuette has been unearthed, the legacy of the hunt will likely continue, inspiring future generations of treasure hunters to embark on their own quests, armed with the knowledge and experiences gained from those who came before them.
