By:
• Torn Chanritheara

• August 22, 2024 , 7:30 PM

PHNOM PENH – Since 2021 Cambodia has successfully recovered 220 looted statues and jewelry pieces. Many of these artifacts were once in the possession of private collectors and museums.

Speaking at the official handover ceremony of 71 looted artefacts on August 22, Culture Minister Phoeurng Sackona said that a total of 106 statues made of stone and metal have been brought back between 2021-2024 by the family of infamous private collector Douglas Latchford through a 2020 agreement. This included 77 jewelry pieces.

Additionally, between 2022 and 2024, museums and private collectors in the United States returned 114 artifacts made of stone and metal. Some of these items were seized by U.S. law enforcement, while others were voluntarily surrendered by the collectors.

Minister Sackona attributed this success to a combination of negotiations, legal proceedings, and agreements.

The official handover ceremony of the artifacts coincided with the one-year anniversary of Prime Minister Hun Manet's new government, marking a significant milestone in its cultural heritage preservation efforts.

Khmer ancient statues are on display at the Peace Palace in Phnom Penh, Cambodia on Aug. 22, 2024. Photo by Rani_Xinhua

Prime Minister Hun Manet announced that since 1996, a total of 1098 artifacts have been returned to Cambodia from fifteen countries and private collectors. This achievement underscores the government's dedication to safeguarding the nation's rich cultural heritage.

"The artifacts we received this time are priceless national cultural heritage for the Cambodian people, who are the real owners of these cultural treasures," Hun Manet stated. "The return of these artifacts symbolizes the reunion of the souls of the Khmer ancestors, who have always been with the nation and the people of Cambodia at all times."

The prime minister emphasized that the repatriation of these looted artifacts would also help heal the wounds inflicted by Cambodia's civil war. He explained that the conflict had contributed to the illegal trading and trafficking of cultural treasures, causing irreparable damage to the nation's heritage.

Cambodia is on a relentless quest to reclaim its stolen treasures. The nation is actively gathering evidence and collaborating with international partners to bring these priceless artifacts back home.

“Today’s achievements reflect the high commitment of the government and the importance of good cooperation with other countries and the international community in the global campaign to combat theft, trafficking and illegal trading of cultural property,” said the prime minister.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet worships Khmer ancient statues at the Peace Palace in Phnom Penh, Cambodia on Aug. 22, 2024. Photo by Rani_Xinhua

The U.S. Embassy extended its congratulations to Cambodia on the successful repatriation of looted artifacts. The embassy expressed pride in its role in helping to bring home these pieces of Cambodia's heritage, which were illegally looted and traded during past conflicts.

In a statement on social media, the U.S. Embassy declared, "Today's repatriation ceremony highlights the United States government's steadfast commitment to preserving, restoring, and celebrating the Kingdom's rich cultural heritage."

At the heart of this mission is the ongoing search for additional looted artifacts. The Ministry of Culture is meticulously investigating leads and working tirelessly to identify the whereabouts of these missing pieces.

Hun Manet said the Ministry of Culture is actively working to repatriate 76 statues from the U.K. These artifacts were previously part of the collection of the Latchford family, who have already returned a significant number of Cambodian treasures.

The prime minister urged museums and private collectors around the world to voluntarily return any Cambodian artifacts in their possession. He emphasized that Cambodia is the rightful owner of these cultural treasures and that their repatriation is essential for preserving not only Cambodia's cultural heritage but also the cultural heritage of humanity as a whole.

A Khmer ancient statue is on display at the Peace Palace in Phnom Penh, Cambodia on Aug. 22, 2024. Photo by Rani_Xinhua

Meanwhile, the recent return of fourteen artifacts from the Metropolitan Museum of Art (Met) in the U.S. stands as a testament to Cambodia's unwavering determination. These artifacts, spanning various Cambodian periods, have been repatriated after years of intense negotiations.

One of the most remarkable pieces displayed at the ceremony is the fully intact bronze Avalokiteshvara statue from the 10th century. Its torso was reunited with its long-lost head, which was previously in the possession of the Met.

The Culture Ministry's successful efforts to reassemble this iconic statue symbolize the nation's unwavering commitment to preserving its cultural heritage.