Recent Repatriations to Cambodia and Thailand

via Metropolitan Museum of Art, 18 December 2023: This statement by Max Hollein is dated to last year, right when the news of the Met’s return of artefacts to Cambodia and Thailand was announced, but I don’t think I posted this one.

The works of art being repatriated were made between the 9th and 14th centuries in the Angkorian period and reflect the Hindu and Buddhist religious systems prevailing at that time. Ten of the sculptures—including the bronze masterpiece The Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara Seated in Royal Ease (late 10th–early 11th century), and the monumental stone Head of Buddha (7th century)—are temporarily on view in the Museum’s galleries for Southeast Asian art. The works are now being presented as the repatriated heritage of Cambodia and Thailand, respectively, while arrangements are made for their return to the appropriate countries.

We are grateful for the partnerships with our colleagues in the U.S. Attorney’s Office and in Cambodia and Thailand that helped bring about this landmark moment. We welcomed comments from Mr. Phnombootra Chandrajoti, Director-General of Thailand’s Fine Arts Department who stated, “We are very pleased that The Met has reached out to us and proactively proposed the return of these two objects to Thailand. This act serves as a model for ethical collecting practices and strengthens the bonds of cultural respect and collaboration between Thailand and The Met. We view this return as a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to repatriate cultural treasures, and we hope it inspires further partnerships as we work together to foster the exchange of knowledge and to ensure the return of cultural artifacts where appropriate to their countries of origin. In Thailand, the committee for repatriation, chaired by the Cultural Minister, is actively engaged in research initiatives to identify and track down additional objects that may have been illegally removed from the country in the past, further paving the way for a future where cultural heritage is preserved and valued in its rightful place.” Additionally, the Cambodian Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts said, “We appreciate this first step in the right direction. We look forward to further returns and acknowledgments of the truth regarding our lost national treasures.”

Source: Recent Repatriations to Cambodia and Thailand | The Metropolitan Museum of Art