January 13, 2022
1 min read

Private collector to return looted antiquities to Cambodia

Other artifacts include a sandstone Buddha sculpture from seventh-eighth century, a 10th century Hindu god Vishnu, and a 10th century bronze image of the Hindu goddess Lakshmi….reports Asian Lite News

Cambodia has said that a US private collector has agreed to return 28 looted Cambodian cultural artifacts and the antiquities will be repatriated to the kingdom at an appropriate time.

One of the antiquities is a large Ganesha believed to be from Prasat Bak temple at Koh Ker Temple, the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts said on Wednesday in a press statement, adding that this statue was looted from Cambodia about two decades ago.

In 2020, it was listed by the Antiquities Coalition as one of the top 10 most wanted looted statues in the world, the statement said.

“This sculpture of Ganesha is another astonishing example of the brilliance of our ancestors. Ganesha, the Hindu god with an elephant’s head, is widely known for its wisdom and power to overcome obstacles and its return home will be a momentous occasion for Cambodia,” Phoeurng Sackona, Cambodian Minister of Culture and Fine Arts, said in the statement.

Other artifacts include a sandstone Buddha sculpture from seventh-eighth century, a 10th century Hindu god Vishnu, and a 10th century bronze image of the Hindu goddess Lakshmi, Xinhua news agency reported.

“This repatriation shows Cambodia’s continuing commitment to finding and bringing back our ancestors’ souls that departed from their motherland over a number of years, including during a period of war,” she added.

“We encourage other private collectors and museums to follow this private collector’s decision and to contact us now to discuss repatriation to the rightful owner,” the Minister said.

ALSO READ: Biden urges Senators to declare stand on Democracy

Previous Story

Biden imposes first sanctions over North Korea weapons program

Next Story

India, US review security cooperation in key sectors

Latest from USA

US Brings Up Old Claim, India Pushes Back

US Raises Trump’s India-Pakistan Claim at UN; India Reaffirms Bilateral Stand…reports Asian Lite News The US brought President Trump’s May claim of resolving the India-Pakistan conflict to the Security Council, but New

US Quits UNESCO again

Bruce said the withdrawal would go into effect at the end of next year….reports Asian Lite News United Nations, July 23 (IANS) The United States is again withdrawing from UNESCO, accusing it

Dhaka in Tight Spot Over US Tariffs

The US has identified non-tariff barriers in 13 sectors, including medicine, agriculture, and the environment, and has set nearly half a dozen conditions for effective action. Bangladesh, grappling with sluggish economic growth

China Collision Delays US Sub

The submarine officially entered the repair phase, known as Extended Docking Selected Restricted Availability (EDSRA), in February 2023…reports Asian Lite News Nearly five years after a high-profile collision in the South China
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Capitol Hill calls out Pak terror

Bipartisan support in Washington for India’s right to act, as

Biden implores voters to save democracy from lies, violence

The president singled out “ultra MAGA” Republicans — a reference