Larry Newmeister
Associated Press
NEW YORK (AP) — The Cambodian ambassador to the United States said the transfer of 30 artifacts by U.S. law enforcement authorities to Cambodia was a return to “the soul of our culture.”
Ambassador Keo Chhea spoke at a ceremony where the 10th-century sculpture “Skanda on a Peacock” was one of several works of art in the background, as U.S. and Cambodian officials described the impact of the return of 30 artifacts on the Southeast Asian country.
“It’s like returning the soul of our culture to our people,” Chhea said. “We are very grateful.”
Chhea praised the cooperation between the United States and Cambodia to get the relics returned, but he also said they were battling a “global problem” that was still going on.
He added that “we need to commit to and continue our fight” to prevent further looting and stop the tools used by looters to loot precious artworks, which sometimes result in sculptures being cut down.
According to U.S. Attorney Damian Williams, who presided over the event, some of the sculptures, including one from the 10th century depicting the Hindu god Ganesha weighing more than three tons, were too heavy to brought to the ceremony.
The sculptures were looted from archaeological sites during Cambodia’s long civil war and instability period.
Williams said an organized network of looting — including looters linked to the Khmer Rouge — gave the statues to Douglas Lutchford, a prominent antiquities dealer, who then sold them to the West Dealers, collectors and institutions.
Prosecutors pointed out that Rutchford died before being extradited to the United States to face charges of wire fraud conspiracy and other crimes in Manhattan federal court. The indictment was eventually dismissed over his death.
Some sandstone and bronze sculptures and artifacts were abandoned by their owners when U.S. authorities told them they had been stolen, Williams said. Others have claimed through court proceedings. They range from the Bronze Age to the 12th century.
“We applaud the individuals and institutions that have decided to do the right thing by voluntarily returning the antiquities they have to their home countries after learning about the provenance of their possessions,” Williams said. “We want to encourage those who think they are illegal. People who have access to Cambodian or other artifacts come forward.”
