(Phnom Penh): The Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts has announced that, following several years of discussions with the National Museum of Asian Art of the Smithsonian Institution and Cambodia’s restitution team, the Smithsonian Institution’s Board of Regents formally approved the return of three treasured Khmer masterpieces to Cambodia on 27 October 2025.

The artefacts approved for repatriation are the Head of Harihara (10th century), the Female Deity (Goddess Uma) (10th century), and Prajnaparamita (late 12th century).

"The return of these sacred sculptures is the result of an extensive provenance investigation, which concluded that the objects were removed from Cambodia during decades of civil war and insecurity that led to widespread looting. Their return represents a deeply meaningful step toward cultural restoration for the Cambodian people. It is the first repatriation carried out under the Smithsonian’s Ethical Return Policy for the National Museum of Asian Art," according to the press release seen by Fresh News on Wednesday (Dec. 17).

Minister of Culture and Fine Arts Phoeurng Sackona said Cambodia has consistently emphasized that reclaimed antiquities are not merely exceptional works of art, but living embodiments of the spirit of the nation and the identity of the Khmer people.

“These masterpieces represent the timeless strength, devotion, and creativity of the Angkor Empire,” the minister said. “Their homecoming marks a moment of national reflection and healing for a country that has endured decades of conflict and cultural destruction.”

The minister expressed deep appreciation for the Smithsonian’s good-faith cooperation and the spirit of trust and partnership that made this return possible. We also hope that other museums will follow the leadership of the Smithsonian Institution in adopting and actively implementing a policy of ethical returns — a policy which makes it easier for countries like Cambodia to recover sacred artefacts lost during war.

The minister also extended sincere thanks to the National Museum of Asian Art and its director, Chase Robinson, particularly the museum’s provenance and curatorial teams, for their pivotal role in facilitating the return.

Additional gratitude was conveyed to the US Embassy in Phnom Penh, the ministry’s team of archaeologists and researchers, and the National Museum of Cambodia for their continued support.

Special thanks were also extended to Edenbridge Asia representative Bradley J. Gordon and NOSTOS Strategies representative Melina Antoniadis for their assistance in negotiations that led to this historic repatriation.
=FRESH NEWS