Phnom Penh: Finally, four cultural treasures will return to Cambodia from the Denver Art Museum, the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts has confirmed.
The process to return four cultural treasures to Cambodia is underway. The U.S. Government, led by the United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York (USAO-SDNY) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), has filed a civil forfeiture action relating to four sculptures and has seized the sculptures from Denver Art Museum.
The valuables reclaimed are a Khmer sandstone sculpture depicting standing Prajnaparamita, late 12th-early 13th century, the bodhisattva of wisdom and the spiritual mother of all Buddhas. A sandstone sculpture depicting Surya, 7th-8th century, the Sun God in Hinduism. It is believed this statue, according to reports from witnesses, was from a temple on Kulen Mountain. An Iron Age bronze bell. And a sandstone lintel depicting the sleep of Vishnu and birth of Brahma, 7th-8th century.
The Royal Government of Cambodia is thrilled to welcome such precious treasures back to Cambodia and very pleased with the ongoing collaboration with the U.S. Government. The government has encouraged museums and private collectors with Khmer cultural properties to reach out to the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts and to share provenance documentation and to move towards voluntary repatriations of our Cambodian treasures.
Authorities continue to gather extensive evidence of the looting of the said treasures, and improper possession of them wrong people. The Minister of Culture and Fine Arts Dr. Phoeurng Sackona has applauded the U.S. Government's efforts to return the cultural properties and sincerely thank and praise the efforts of the U.S. Attorney's Office, HSI and all relevant authorities both abroad and in Cambodia, the U.S. Embassy in Phnom Penh and the Ministry's team, particularly to Bradley J. Gordon of Edenbridge Asia and Steven Heimberg of Heimberg Barr LLP.
The minister also acknowledged the invaluable cooperation and joint efforts of the two countries with respect to restoring the country's cultural heritage and identity to ensure that Khmer antiquities are enjoyed and cherished by Cambodians and the world.
