Nepal has received 21 stolen relics from the United States. These items include wooden blocks and artifacts with historical value. The Department of Archeology shared this news at a press conference.
Artifacts Taken from Different Locations
Among the returned items are three Pauva paintings. Thieves stole them from Itumbahal in Kathmandu in 2037 BS. A stone idol of Buddha from the ninth century also returned. Someone took it from the Machchhindra Bahal area in Bungmati. Another important piece, a 12th-century stone Buddha idol from Guit Chaitya in Patan, came back from the Art Institute of Chicago. Additionally, people had smuggled 16 other artifacts from different parts of Nepal over the years.
Help from International Agencies
Saubhagya Pradhananga, Director General of the Department of Archeology, stated that authorities traced the relics to museums, auction houses, and private collections. The Homeland Security Investigation Department in New York and the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office played key roles in recovering these artifacts. These agencies worked together to confirm Nepal’s ownership of the items.
Official Handover of Artifacts
A month ago, officials handed the relics to Chakra Kumar Subedi. He serves as the Acting Consul General at Nepal’s Office of Consulate General in New York. Authorities followed international laws while processing the return. After confirming their origin, they shipped the relics back to Nepal. This effort reflects Nepal’s ongoing commitment to reclaiming its stolen artifacts.
Support from Cultural Groups
Different government agencies coordinated efforts to return the relics. Additionally, Newa: Guthi, a cultural group based in New York, provided financial aid for transportation. Nepal has lost many religious and artistic treasures over the years. However, officials still lack records of stolen items from eastern Nepal after the 1950s.
Nepal’s Fight Against Artifact Smuggling
Nepal first recovered stolen relics in 1986. Since then, authorities have successfully brought back 177 historical artifacts. Organizations from the UK, Austria, the USA, Tibet Autonomous Region of China, India, Germany, Australia, and Italy have all contributed to these efforts. The USA alone has returned 104 stolen relics, making it the largest contributor.
The Ongoing Issue of Illegal Trade
For decades, criminals have smuggled Nepalese artifacts out of the country. Many statues, paintings, and religious relics disappeared from temples and monasteries. Some ended up in museums, while private collectors purchased others. In recent years, Nepal has intensified its efforts to reclaim these cultural treasures. International cooperation has made a significant impact on this mission.
Other Recovered Artifacts
In 2021, authorities recovered a 12th-century Laxmi-Narayan idol from Dallas, Texas. The artifact had been on display in a museum for years. In 2022, officials brought back a stolen 10th-century Uma Maheshwar statue from the Denver Art Museum. These successful recoveries highlight Nepal’s determination to protect its heritage.
Appeal to Museums and Collectors
Authorities continue urging museums and collectors worldwide to verify their collections. They should ensure they do not possess stolen artifacts. With ongoing support from international agencies, Nepal remains hopeful about reclaiming more of its lost relics in the future.
