Kathmandu, July 7
Two historic sculptures that had been illegally trafficked to the United States have been repatriated to Nepal.
The returned cultural treasures include a 13th-century gilded bronze statue of Padmapani and a 16th-century polychrome wooden sculpture of a Nritya Devi.
According to the US Embassy in Nepal, the repatriation of these invaluable cultural artifacts further strengthens the long-standing cooperation between Nepal and the United States in combating the illicit trafficking of cultural heritage and restoring religious and historical objects to their original communities.
In a statement, the embassy said the recently implemented US–Nepal Cultural Property Agreement will further enhance bilateral cooperation in this field.
The agreement is expected to provide a stronger framework for joint efforts between the two countries in conducting investigations, preventing the illegal trafficking of cultural property, and safeguarding Nepal’s rich cultural heritage.
Mike Harker, Public Affairs Chief at the U.S. Embassy, said that a total of 127 archaeological and cultural artifacts have now been returned to Nepal from the United States.
According to Harker, the return of these two sacred sculptures demonstrates how criminal investigations, diplomatic coordination, and active community engagement can work together to combat the illicit trafficking of cultural heritage.
He added that the new U.S.–Nepal Cultural Property Agreement will strengthen future investigations, help curb illegal trafficking, and provide a more robust mechanism to prevent Nepal’s invaluable cultural heritage from entering illicit markets.
Photos: US Embassy in Nepal
