A Buddha statue from the 13th century, which was stolen from Kathmandu forty years ago has been returned to its original home in Om Bahal, Nepal. This marks a major milestone for the people of Nepal and the ongoing repatriation for their cultural artifacts. The statue was originally housed at Bajradhatu Bihar in ward No. 23 of Kathmandu, and it was returned there as part of the celebrations of the 2570th Buddha Jayanti.

The statue was thought to be lost for many years until it resurfaced in the United States. It was then sent to the National Museum in Nepal in 2022. On May 1st it was carried to the Hanumandhoka Palace Museum by heritage activists, local Nepalese leaders, and museum officials.

Ganapati Lal Shrestha, a heritage campaigner who works to document the location of stolen Nepali artifacts around the world had this to say about the repatriation of the artifact, “We are very happy to reinstall the statue at its original place after such a long time.” (Rising Nepal Daily) He also noted that local worshippers had been forced to place a replica of the statue on its original altar when it went missing.

The statue’s journey is a reflection of the global trade in cultural artifacts, many of them stolen, that occurs around the world. This particular artifact was discovered in the art collection of the Tibet House U.S. in Manhattan. It had been gifted to them by a Buddhist monk prior to being turned over to Nepalese authorities in 2022.

Local residents wore traditional Newa attire whilst musicians played music as the statue was carried through the city in a celebratory parade. One temple-goer named Sunkesari Shakya commented on the occasion, saying, “Our god is coming back. I feel so happy, we all do.” (Daily Sabah)

The celebration was attended by Nepalese government officials and Sergio Gor, a visiting U.S. envoy.  Gor took a moment during the proceeding to emphasize America’s commitment to the return of stolen cultural artifacts to their country of origin by stating, ““We are trying to right a wrong from the past.” (Daily Sabah) He also noted that many of the artifacts that were stolen from Nepal during the twentieth century have been found in museums and private collections around the world.

The National Museum of Nepal supported his statement by confirming that the number of cultural artifacts that have been repatriated from around the world and displayed in its exhibition hall is increasing. Currently the museum is in possession of one hundred and thirty-seven artifacts, which it plans to return to their original location. To date, twelve artifacts have gone back to their original community after being displayed at the museum.

The chief of Nepal’s National Museum, Aruna Nakarmi, stated that the statue had been displayed in the building’s Buddha Art Gallery temporarily. Cultural expert, Rabindra Puri, said of the importance of the repatriation process, “Our statues are not just objects of art but part of a living heritage.” (Daily Sabah)

Nepal has worked diligently to find stolen Nepalese artifacts in recent years. To date, more than two hundred artifacts have come back to the country from abroad. Many of these heritage items were stolen between 1950 and 1980, a time wherein many foreigners visited Nepal from abroad and its sacred art began to fetch a high price. Experts believe that thousands of heritage items are still missing.

Maharaja Maharjan, chairperson of a local ward in Om Bahal, commented on the proceedings by stating, “The ward is also responsible for the preservation and protection of heritage.” (Rising Nepal Daily)

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Stolen 13th-century Buddha statue returns to temple in Nepal (Daily Sabahl)
Stolen 13th century Buddha idol restored (Rising Nepal Daily)

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