Cambodia reclaims 20 looted artefacts from Asian collection

Cambodia has welcomed the return of 20 looted cultural treasures from a private collection in Asia, marking another step in its long campaign to recover heritage stolen during decades of conflict.

The Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts confirmed the repatriation on Tuesday, describing the sandstone sculptures and bronze works — dating from the 11th to 13th centuries — as “living witnesses” to the spiritual heart of Khmer civilisation. Among the highlights are statues from the Bayon period, believed to originate from Angkor Thom, one of the most significant sites of the Angkor Empire.

Officials said the restitution was achieved through the work of a dedicated team, with Singaporean lawyer Imran Hamid Khwaja and Bradley Gordon of Edenbridge Asia playing key roles in negotiating the return. The ministry praised the leadership of Senate President Hun Sen and Prime Minister Hun Manet, whose Win-Win Policy created conditions for recovery.

The government urged museums and private collectors still holding Khmer artefacts to enter dialogue about their potential return. “These artefacts are more than art; they are part of our identity and history,” the ministry said, stressing their importance for future generations.

This latest repatriation follows a major return in February, when 74 Khmer objects once held by the late dealer Douglas Latchford were sent back to Phnom Penh. Those items ranged from pre-Angkorian pieces to masterpieces of the Angkorian Empire, including the celebrated “divine couple” statues from the reign of Jayavarman II.

Cambodia has stepped up efforts in recent years to reclaim cultural property, combining legal action, negotiation and voluntary returns. The campaign has been widely supported by international organisations, which see the restitution of looted artefacts as vital to restoring cultural dignity and historical continuity.

For Cambodians, the return of these treasures is more than symbolic. It strengthens national pride, enriches the country’s museums, and offers the world a deeper understanding of Khmer civilisation. As the ministry noted, each piece is a testament to the genius of Cambodia’s ancestors — and a reminder of the resilience of a culture that continues to fight for its rightful heritage.

-2026-04-08