Kathmandu, December 16
So far, 198 archaeological artefacts stolen from Nepal have been returned from abroad, according to the Department of Archaeology. Those artefacts were brought back by the Department in a coordinated effort with the national and international heritage activists, said Sarita Subedi, Archaeological Officer.
The Nepali diaspora abroad and organisations working in the sector of heritage conservation have also contributed to this cause. Subedi shared that these artefacts were retrieved through collaboration with organisations in the USA and European countries.
As per international law, if the heritage of any country is found in another nation, the necessary legal process must be carried out to return it. Those heritages have been returned following international law, Subedi added.
Artefacts such as wood carvings, stone carvings, architecture, and statues, among others, that were created in Nepal and smuggled or stolen abroad are claimed and returned when found abroad, based on the information and with supporting evidence.
Some of the returned artefacts, especially the idols of gods and goddesses, have been religiously reinstated in their original locations. The country where the artefacts are found in museums, auction houses or any private collections covers the shipping cost to return them to their country of origin.
