Phnom Penh: 14 Cambodian Cultural Property Objects to be returned to Cambodia from the Metropolitan Museum (the "MET"), New York, New York

The Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts is thrilled to announce a significant development in the restoration of Cambodia's cultural heritage. After years of negotiations involving the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York (SONY), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and Cambodia's restitution team, the Metropolitan Museum (the "MET") in New York, New York, has agreed to return 14 Cambodian cultural treasures currently in its possession.

This milestone achievement follows extensive discussions and information sharing between Cambodia and the United States, leading to a formal commitment by the MET to repatriate these 14 invaluable national treasures to Cambodia. Additionally, the MET will open its records related to its Cambodian collection and allow experts from the Ministry to examine the remaining Cambodian objects within its possession. This is seen as a significant step forward in acknowledging the historical truth about Cambodia's lost national treasures, which were taken during times of war and genocide.

The repatriation includes several exceptional pieces, such as a breathtaking 10th-century sculpture of a female goddess (Uma) from the ancient royal capital of Koh Ker, a 10th-century bronze head of Avalokiteshvara, which matches a torso currently housed in the National Museum of Cambodia, and a 10th-11th century Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara sculpture. Notably, the goddess statue from Koh Ker was confirmed to have been looted in 1997, and her foot was successfully located by the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts in 2021, with testimony from former looters substantiating its history. The Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara "Seated in Royal Ease" is a masterpiece made of copper alloy with silver inlay and was sold to the MET by a dealer described as nefarious, Douglas A.J. Latchford, in 1992.

Dr. Phoeurng Sackona, Minister of Culture and Fine Arts, expressed the profound significance of this repatriation, stating, "This return of our national treasures, held by the Metropolitan Museum, is of utmost importance not only for Cambodia but for all of humanity. The act of repatriation is a step towards healing for our nation, and we hope that more treasures at the MET will also find their way back to Cambodia. We call upon other museums and private collectors to engage with us to discuss the repatriation of Cambodian antiquities."

Dr. Phoeurng Sackona continued, "This repatriation reaffirms Cambodia's enduring commitment to locating and bringing back the souls of our ancestors that departed from their motherland. I extend my sincere gratitude to our former Prime Minister Hun Sen for his wise leadership and the policy of peace with the win, which paved the way for celebrating this return of our ancestors' souls, with the blessing of our new Prime Minister, Hun Manet."

The Minister conveyed her heartfelt appreciation for the dedicated efforts of United States Attorney Damian Williams of the Southern District of New York (SDNY), the prosecutors from SDNY, including Jessica Feinstein and Shiva Logarajah, and the investigators from HSI, particularly Special Agent John P. Labbat. She also acknowledged the support of various relevant authorities, both internationally and within Cambodia, with special thanks to the U.S. Embassy in Phnom Penh and the Ministry's team of archaeologists and researchers.

Dr. Phoeurng Sackona extended special recognition to Bradley J. Gordon of Edenbridge Asia and Steven Heimberg of Apex Advisors, who have served as legal advisors to the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts. Their tireless efforts over many years have been instrumental in the recovery of numerous invaluable cultural properties, including the items now being returned by the MET.

Dr. Phoeurng Sackona emphasized, "We take immense pride in our collaborative efforts and cooperation with the United States of America in restoring Cambodia's cultural heritage and reclaiming our stolen artifacts. These repatriations contribute significantly to the reconciliation and healing of the Cambodian people, who endured decades of civil war and the immense tragedy of the Khmer Rouge genocide, while also strengthening our relationship with the United States."