The Met To Return Sculptures Following Proof Of Them Being Trafficked

Image via US Attorney’s Office, Southern District of New York

In a landmark move, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City has initiated the process of repatriating a significant collection of Southeast Asian sculptures to their rightful homes.

The move includes 14 sculptures to Cambodia and two to Thailand, many of which were associated with the late art dealer Douglas Latchford, who faced charges of trafficking looted artifacts in 2019. The repatriation is a response to long-standing concerns about the provenance of these items.

Among the artifacts being returned are notable sculptures from the ninth to 14th centuries, a period known as the Angkorian era, characterized by Hindu and Buddhist influences.

Noteworthy pieces include The Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara Seated in Royal Ease, a bronze masterpiece from the late 10th or early 11th century, and a significant seventh-century Head of Buddha. These works, reflecting the religious and cultural heritage of their origins, will remain on display at the Met’s South Asian art galleries until their return is arranged.

Particularly significant are the sculptures from the Koh Ker archaeological site in Cambodia, including a 10th-century sandstone statue of a goddess. The history of Koh Ker and the illegal trade in Cambodian cultural heritage have been subjects of legal action in the United States, highlighting the illicit trafficking network orchestrated by Latchford. In 2023, Koh Ker, once the royal capital of the Angkorian empire, was added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List, doubling down on its historical importance.

Image via US Attorney’s Office, Southern District of New York

This repatriation follows the Met’s collaboration with US Attorney Damian Williams’ office. Williams emphasized the importance of cultural institutions in addressing the illicit trade in stolen antiquities, urging proactive cooperation in such matters.

“All of the pieces being returned today were tied directly to illicit trafficking, and specifically to a man named Douglas Latchford—a collector and dealer that my Office charged in 2019 for running a vast antiquities trafficking network out of Southeast Asia,” comments Williams.

“We look forward to our continued dialogue with the Met on these important issues,” says Williams. “My Office will continue to vigorously investigate the illegal trade in stolen antiquities. We urge those in this space, including cultural institutions, to be vigilant. And if you work at one of these institutions or for a private collection and have concerns that certain pieces may be tied to illicit trafficking, do the right thing: come forward and work with us on a voluntary basis to facilitate the return to the rightful owners.  That is a far better outcome for you and your institution than if our investigation leads to a knock on your door.  In other words, come see us before we come see you.” 

[via CNN and BBC, images via US Attorney’s Office, Southern District of New York]