I think "stole" is appropriate given that (1) the "local bigwig" wasn't likely the rightful owner of the bird carving, and (2) colonialism has historically relied on asymmetrically informed "sales" to export wealth back to the West.
See also: Manhattan's "sale" for $24 of beads. Contemporary Americans spend years in court arguing that sums far less were stolen from them in far more legitimate "sales."
See also: Manhattan's "sale" for $24 of beads. Contemporary Americans spend years in court arguing that sums far less were stolen from them in far more legitimate "sales."