Right of return: Cambodia

WHAT’S BEING RETURNED?

Avalokiteshvara Padmapani, Vajrapani and Avalokiteshvara Padmapani, 9th­­–11th century

WHAT’S THE ISSUE?

On Friday 28 July 2023, the National Gallery repatriated three bronze sculptures to the Kingdom of Cambodia. The works of art were illegally exported from their country of origin and were all connected to the late art collector and dealer Douglas Latchford.

National Gallery of Australia Director, Nick Mitzevich said following this action, the National Gallery will no longer hold any works with known links to Douglas Latchford in its collection. ‘Since 2014, the National Gallery has been working to gather sufficient evidence to form a better understanding of works of art in its collection, among them, those acquired from Douglas Latchford. The implication of Douglas Latchford in the illegal trade of antiquities and information obtained from sources with access to his records have been instrumental in arriving at this decision.’

WHAT HAPPENED?

The National Gallery has been seeking to determine the place of origin of the bodhisattva group since the sculptures were deaccessioned in December 2021. The decision to return these sculptures is the culmination of years of research, an evolving framework for decision-making and the implication of Douglas Latchford in the illegal export of and trade in antiquities.

The handover event coincided with the Australian visit of representatives of the Cambodian Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts and its repatriation research team, including American lawyer Bradley Gordon who is acting for the Cambodian government. In determining the origin of the works of art, the repatriation team worked closely with looters who had been directly involved in the removal of the works, and residents of the area they were looted from. Director, Nick Mitzevich said, 'We are grateful for their support in identifying the place of origin of these culturally significant sculptures and are pleased we can now return them to their rightful home.'

The historic occasion is an important step toward rectifying past injustices, reinforcing the value of cultural properties, and acknowledging the importance of preserving and protecting cultural heritage.

His Excellency Dr Cheunboran Chanborey, Ambassador of Cambodia said, 'By and large, the return of looted or lost artefacts demonstrates the power of culture, transcending geographical boundaries and connecting people across space and time.'

He continued, 'Indeed, putting looted artefacts to their countries of origin can have significant and positive impacts on local communities and their involvement in preserving their cultural heritage. It can foster a sense of pride, national identity and cultural continuity as artefacts hold immense value for the communities to which they belong. These particular three art works will definitely enable the different communities in Cambodia to better understand their rich culture, and diverse traditions.' The sculptures were created by the Cham people, whose kingdoms for hundreds of years centred on what is now central and southern Vietnam but extended into Laos and Cambodia. The discovery of the archaeological origins of the bodhisattva group is contributing to our understanding of the historic presence of Cham people in Cambodia, as well as to our knowledge of Cham art.

Following consultations with the Kingdom of Cambodia, the sculptures are set to remain on display at the National Gallery for up to three years while the Cambodian Government prepares their new home in the kingdom's capital.

WHAT WAS SAID?

His Excellency Dr Cheunboran Chanborey, Ambassador of Cambodia said, 'In a world that often focuses on divisions, let this occasion serve as an inspiring example and the role model of international cooperation in fostering a deeper appreciation and respect for the cultural heritage that binds us all.'