This undated photo shows a late 10th-early 11th century bronze Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, which was repatriated to Cambodia from the United States. Fourteen looted Cambodian artifacts have been repatriated from the Metropolitan Museum of Art (the MET) in New York, the Cambodian Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts said in a press statement on Wednesday. (Cambodian Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts/Handout via Xinhua)

Fourteen looted Cambodian artifacts have been repatriated from the Metropolitan Museum of Art (the MET) in New York, the Cambodian Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts said in a press statement on Wednesday.

The cultural treasures arrived at the National Museum of Cambodia in Phnom Penh on Wednesday, the statement said, adding that this historic homecoming of these national treasures came after several years of negotiations.

The repatriation includes the extraordinary stone sculpture of a 10th century sandstone-made female goddess Uma from the ancient royal capital of Koh Ker. In 2021, the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts successfully located her foot at Koh Ker temple complex, and based on testimony from former looters, determined that the body of the sculpture was stolen in 1997.

"At last, the Uma can be reunified to achieve its full magnificence as one complete statue," the statement said.

Another exceptionally rare and expertly crafted statue is a late 10th-early 11th century bronze Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, designated by the MET as "Seated in Royal Ease", the statement said, adding that the sculpture was sold to the MET by Douglas A.J. Latchford in 1992, whom the MET itself described as a nefarious dealer.

Moreover, a significant returned artifact is a 10th century bronze head of the deity Avalokiteshvara, which the ministry highly anticipates finally being reunited with its matching torso, currently on display at the National Museum of Cambodia, the statement said.

Cambodian Minister of Culture and Fine Arts Phoeurng Sackona said the return of these national treasures, held by the MET, was of utmost importance not only for Cambodia, but for all of humankind.

"We have many more treasures at the MET which we also hope will be returned to Cambodia," she said. "We are thrilled that a number of private collectors and museums have reached out to us in recent months, and we expect many more significant returns in the future."

Sackona said this repatriation showed once again Cambodia's continuing commitment to finding and bringing back national cultural treasures lost during past decades of civil war.

"These returns contribute to the reconciliation and healing of the Cambodian people, who endured decades of civil war," she said. 

Related

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)