These two statues form part of an ensemble representing the famous duel
between Bhima and Duryodhana from the Mahabharata, all of which were
brutally severed from their pedestals and found their way to various
museums and private collections around the world.
In its press release dated May 3, 2013 the Metropolitan Museum quoted
its director Mr. Thomas P. Campbell, as saying: “The Museum is committed
to applying rigorous provenance standards not only to new acquisitions,
but to the study of works long in its collections in an ongoing effort
to learn as much as possible about ownership history. This is a case in
which additional information ... has led the Museum to consider facts
that were not known at the time of the acquisition and to take the
action..... In returning the statues, the Museum is acting to strengthen
the good relationship it has long maintained with scholarly
institutions and colleagues in Cambodia and to foster and celebrate
continued cooperation and dialogue between us.”
Excellency Chan Tani, Secretary of State of the Office of the Council of Ministers was quoted in the International Herald Tribune
on May 4-5, 2013 as saying: “ The above gesture clearly shows the high
ethical standards and professional practices of the Met which they are
known for. This also will strengthen the excellent cooperation between
the Metropolitan Museum of Art and its Cambodian counterparts in the
area of cultural heritage.”
On behalf of the Royal Government of Cambodia (RGC), Deputy Prime
Minister Sok An, Minister in charge of the Office of the Council of
Ministers and Chairperson of the World Heritage Committee stated from
UNESCO Headquarters in Paris today, “We would like to take this solemn
occasion to express our sincere thanks and profound gratitude to the Met
in New York, which has taken such a laudable decision to return these
priceless ancient Khmer artifacts, which represent part of the soul of
the nation. We also thank the US Government for its support in this
endeavour.
“Furthermore, the RGC appeals to other museums and art collectors
around the world to follow this example of returning plundered treasures
to their rightful owners as part of the worldwide campaign for the
protection of cultural heritage.”
The return of these statues can be attributed to the government’s
strenuous efforts and is not only the success of the Royal Government,
under the leadership of Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia
Samdech Akka Maha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, but also the success and
pride of the whole Cambodian nation.
Phnom Penh, 9 May 2013
Press and Quick Reaction Unit