On the afternoon of July 4, 2024, the Cambodian National Museum organized a ceremony to receive 14 ancient Khmer artifacts from the Metropol...
On the afternoon of July 4, 2024, the Cambodian National Museum organized a ceremony to receive 14 ancient Khmer artifacts from the Metropolitan Museum of Art (MET) in the United States. Among these items were notable artifacts such as a stone sculpture of the goddess Uma, stolen from Cambodia in 1997, and two bronze sculptures of Lokeshvara, one of which was purchased by the MET from Douglas Latchford in 1992.
In addition to these sculptures, the collection included 11 other stone and metal artifacts that were safely repatriated to Cambodia. The 14 artifacts arrived at the Cambodian National Museum in Phnom Penh on July 3, 2024, following an announcement in December 2023 about their return.
This repatriation marks a historic return of Cambodia's national treasures from one of the world's largest cultural institutions. The process involved years of negotiations between the Cambodian Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York (SDNY), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and representatives from the MET.
One of the significant artifacts, a statue of the goddess Uma made of sandstone from the 10th century, was identified by experts from the Cambodian Ministry of Culture in 2021. They discovered its base at the Koh Ker temple complex. Based on testimonies from individuals involved in the theft, the statue was confirmed to have been stolen in 1997. Now, the statue has been fully reassembled, showcasing its exquisite craftsmanship.
Another rare and significant piece is a bronze statue of Lokeshvara from the late 10th to early 11th century, purchased by the MET in 1992 from Douglas Latchford. Additionally, a bronze head of Lokeshvara, dating back to the 10th century, was also returned. Cambodia had been seeking this artifact to reunite it with its body, which is currently housed in the Cambodian National Museum.
The head was likely stolen in the 1990s, while the body was discovered in a river in the 1930s in Battambang Province. This reunification of parts is a significant achievement for Cambodia's cultural heritage.
The return of these artifacts is a testament to the collaborative efforts of various international and national bodies. The SDNY and HSI played crucial roles in the investigation and negotiations, ensuring the safe return of the artifacts. Representatives from the MET also cooperated extensively, acknowledging the importance of returning cultural heritage items to their countries of origin.
This event highlights the ongoing efforts to repatriate stolen cultural artifacts worldwide. It underscores the importance of preserving and respecting cultural heritage, recognizing the value these artifacts hold for their countries of origin.
Cambodia continues to work tirelessly to recover other lost artifacts, aiming to restore its rich cultural heritage. The return of these 14 items is a significant step in this ongoing process, offering hope for the future preservation of Cambodia's historical treasures.
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