US Returns 27 Looted Khmer Artifacts Worth $2.4 Million to Cambodia

The United States authorities have returned 27 looted Khmer artifacts, valued at an estimated $2.4 million, to Cambodia as part of ongoing efforts to repatriate the country's cultural treasures. The artifacts, which were looted from Cambodia's sacred temples over several decades, were formally returned to the Cambodian government at a ceremony in New York on April 19, 2024.

The collection included a stunning 7th-century Harihara piece that was recovered in 2012 from the infamous Indian-U.S. art dealer Subhash Kapoor, who is currently serving a prison sentence in India for smuggling historical artifacts. The repatriation of these artifacts is part of a broader trend of returning Khmer Empire antiquities to Cambodia, with many thousands of stone, bronze, and gold works of art having been illegally looted from the country's sacred temples in the past.

Why this matters: The repatriation of these artifacts is a significant step in Cambodia's efforts to recover its stolen cultural heritage, which has been scattered across private collections, museums, art galleries, and auction houses around the world. This event highlights the importance of international cooperation in combating the illegal trade of cultural property and the need for countries to work together to preserve and protect the world's cultural heritage.

Experts say that while public auctions of Khmer art are still taking place, most of the pieces are modern reproductions, and that the recent repatriations of large private hoards in the U.S. and U.K. indicate where many of the looted artifacts can be found. "The repatriation of these artifacts is seen as a significant step in Cambodia's efforts to recover its stolen cultural treasures," noted experts, adding that while there is still more work to be done, the recent repatriations and Cambodia's unstinting efforts have been a positive example for other countries seeking the return of their stolen cultural heritage.

Key Takeaways

• U.S. returned 27 looted Khmer artifacts worth $2.4M to Cambodia in 2024.
• Artifacts included a 7th-century Harihara piece recovered from art dealer Subhash Kapoor.
• Repatriation part of broader trend of returning Khmer Empire antiquities to Cambodia.
• International cooperation crucial to combat illegal trade of cultural property.
• Experts say most Khmer art at auctions are modern reproductions, not looted artifacts.