The Metropolitan Museum of Art will be returning 16 ancient sculptures to Cambodia and Thailand that are tied to looting.
Fourteen Khmer sculptures are being returned to Cambodia while two will go back to Thailand, the museum announced.
All the pieces were tied to art dealer Douglas Latchford, who was indicted in 2019 for selling antiquities illegally.
The museum – located on Manhattan’s Upper East Side – “proactively” reached out to the US Attorney’s Office and Cambodian officials to review the artwork.
After receiving “new information,” the art institution said it was “clear that the works should be transferred” back to the two South Asian countries.
The Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara Seated in Royal Ease and the Head of Buddha are among the works that will be returned. They will remain on view at the museum while “arrangements” are being made to return them to their homeland.
It is also reviewing its other Khmer works to see if any others need transferring.
“We are committed to pursuing partnerships and collaborations with our colleagues there that will advance the world’s understanding and appreciation of Khmer art, and we look forward to embarking on this new chapter together,” Museum Director Max Hollein said in a statement.
“The Metropolitan Museum of Art has not only recognized the significance of these 13 Khmer artifacts, which were shamelessly stolen, but has also volunteered to return them, as part of their ongoing cooperation, to their rightful owners: the People of Cambodia,” HSI Acting Special Agent in Charge Erin Keegan said in a statement.
This isn’t the first time the Met has returned artifacts to Cambodia. It voluntarily returned two objects known as the “Kneeling Attendants” in 2013.
Latchford was indicted in 2019 for “orchestrating a multi-year scheme to sell looted Cambodian antiquities on the international art market,” according to the US Attorney’s Office of the Southern District of New York.
The case was later dismissed due to Latchford’s death. He died at the age of 89 while living in Thailand.
Latchford would have faced up to 20 years if he was convicted.