The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City has announced that it will be returning 16 ancient sculptures to Cambodia and Thailand, following their connection to illegal looting. The museum reached out to the US Attorney's Office and Cambodian officials after receiving new information regarding the artworks, resulting in the decision to transfer them back to their respective countries. Fourteen Khmer sculptures will be returned to Cambodia, while two will go back to Thailand. The pieces were all tied to art dealer Douglas Latchford, who was indicted in 2019 for illegally selling antiquities. Latchford denied any involvement in smuggling but passed away in 2020 at the age of 89 while living in Thailand.

Among the sculptures being returned are the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara Seated in Royal Ease and the Head of Buddha. These works will remain on view at the museum while arrangements are made for their return. The Metropolitan Museum of Art is also reviewing its other Khmer works to determine if any additional pieces should be transferred. The museum has previously repatriated two objects known as the “Kneeling Attendants” to Cambodia in 2013.

This recent repatriation reflects a broader trend among museums in the US and Europe, as they grapple with collections that contain objects looted from various regions during times of colonialism or upheaval. The return of these ancient pieces is part of an ongoing effort to address the issue and rectify past injustices. The pieces being returned were created between the 9th and 14th centuries and reflect the Hindu and Buddhist religious systems prevalent during that time.

The Latchford family also possessed a collection of centuries-old Cambodian jewelry, which was later returned to Cambodia. In February, 77 pieces of gold and precious metal jewelry, including crowns, necklaces, and earrings, were repatriated. Stone and bronze artifacts were also returned in September 2021.

Cambodia's rich cultural heritage has been heavily impacted by looting and theft, particularly during times of colonialism and political turmoil. Nearly all of the country's 4,000 temples have been looted, with the theft becoming a global business in the 1970s, '80s, and '90s. The repatriation of these artworks is seen as a step towards addressing the looting of Cambodia's cultural treasures and honoring the country's history.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art has been proactive in its cooperation with law enforcement and the return of looted artifacts. The museum has established a research team to examine the ownership history of its objects, focusing on the provenance of Nazi-looted artwork and ancient art and cultural property. This ongoing effort demonstrates the museum's commitment to addressing the issue of looted art and collaborating with relevant authorities and countries of origin.

The repatriation of these ancient sculptures highlights the importance of international cooperation in preserving and protecting cultural heritage. It serves as a reminder of the significance of these artworks to their rightful owners and the importance of respecting the history and cultural heritage of other nations.