What's Happening?
The Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art has returned three sculptures to Cambodia, acknowledging they were removed during the country's civil war in the 1960s and 70s. The artifacts include a tenth-century sandstone head of Harihara, a sandstone sculpture of the goddess
Uma, and a bronze statue of Prajnaparamita. The museum's decision follows an internal review that linked the pieces to problematic dealers and concluded they were likely taken unethically. This marks the first return under the Smithsonian's Shared Stewardship and Ethical Returns policy, which aims to address the harm to communities of origin.
Why It's Important?
This return highlights the growing movement towards ethical stewardship in museums, addressing historical injustices in artifact acquisition. The Smithsonian's action sets a precedent for other institutions holding artifacts with questionable provenance, potentially leading to more repatriations. This move strengthens cultural ties and acknowledges the importance of cultural heritage to the Cambodian people. It also reflects a shift in museum policies towards transparency and ethical responsibility, which could influence global museum practices and encourage more institutions to reassess their collections.
What's Next?
The Smithsonian and the Cambodian Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts are planning a repatriation ceremony. This event will likely foster goodwill and strengthen cultural relations between the U.S. and Cambodia. Other museums may follow suit, leading to further repatriations of artifacts with disputed origins. The Smithsonian's policy could inspire similar frameworks globally, promoting ethical practices in cultural heritage management.
