The three Khmer pieces that have been returned from the US museum. - Culture Ministry
PHNOM PENH: Cambodia has welcomed the return of three Khmer sculptures from the Smithsonian's National Museum of Asian Art in the US, with the culture minister describing the museum as a “role model” for other collectors and museums which hold Khmer artefacts.
The three pieces include the Head of Harihara (10th century), a Female Deity (the Goddess Uma, 10th century) and Prajnaparamita (late 12th century).
In a Dec 16 press release, the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts explained that the return followed several years of discussions between the Smithsonian and a ministry restitution team. The decision to return the pieces was officially made on Oct 27.
It came as a result of an extensive provenance investigation, which concluded that the objects were removed from Cambodia during the decades of civil war and insecurity that led to widespread looting, said the ministry.
“Their return represents a deeply meaningful step toward cultural restoration for the Cambodian people. It is the first repatriation carried out under the Smithsonian's Ethical Return Policy for the National Museum of Asian Art,” it said.
Minister of Culture and Fine Arts Phoeurng Sackona described how the antiquities that Cambodia have reclaimed, including these three masterpieces, are not merely extraordinary works of art; they are living embodiments of the identity of the Khmer people.
“They represent the Angkor Empire's timeless strength, devotion and creativity. Their homecoming marks a moment of national reflection and healing for a country that has endured decades of conflict and cultural destruction,” she said.
“We are deeply grateful for the Smithsonian's good-faith cooperation and the spirit of trust and partnership that made this return possible.
“We also hope that other museums will follow the leadership of the Smithsonian Institution in adopting and actively implementing a policy of ethical returns, a policy which makes it easier for countries like Cambodia to recover sacred artefacts lost during war,” she added.
She thanked the National Museum of Asian Art, its director Chase Robinson and his staff, who made the return possible, as well as the US embassy in Phnom Penh, the Ministry's team of archaeologists and researchers, and the National Museum for their support.
Lawyer Bradley J. Gordon, of Edenbridge Asia, and Melina Antoniadis, of NOSTOS Strategies, also earned the minister’s praise for assisting in the negotiations for this historic return. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
