Nepal’s sacred artifacts repatriated
Ancient god statues smuggled abroad in past years are being repatriated to their Himalayan origins
Last month, the United States repatriated four idols and masks of ancient Nepalese gods.
Among the artifacts returned is a 16th-century statue of Uma-Maheswora, the avatar of the gods Shiva and Parvati, stolen nearly 40 years ago. It is unclear who took the statue or how it came to the Brooklyn Museum in New York, which turned it over to the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office.
Hundreds of people who still believe in the ancient gods celebrated the return of the artifact in Patan, south of the capital Kathmandu. Men dressed in traditional costumes played drums and cymbals and recited prayers.
For Nepalis, idols have religious significance but no monetary value. However, for smugglers, these artifacts are traded abroad for significant profits.
Over the years, little attention has been paid to the thefts or efforts made to recover them.
This has changed in recent years as the government, art enthusiasts and campaigners have made efforts to recover such artifacts. In many cases, they have been successful.
Now, the temple in Patan is preparing to restore the statue of Uma-Maheswora. After a welcoming ceremony, the statue was placed on a cart carried by the faithful and taken to a museum where it will be kept under guard until its final placement.
According to Jayaram Shrestha, director of the National Museum in Kathmandu, more than 20 other stolen artifacts will be returned to Nepal in the near future, most of which will come from the U.S. and Europe.
Source: Newsroom & Associated Press
