Cambodia’s Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts formally announced the return of 74 Khmer antiquities from the family of Douglas Latchford, under an agreement reached by the two sides in 2020.
Following earlier returns of important antiquities in 2021 and 2023, this was another significant achievement in Cambodia’s long-running mission to locate and recover cultural heritage removed during past war and instability.
The objects date from the pre-Angkorian era to the height of the Angkorian Empire and include sandstone and metal sculptures and religious ritual objects. Among them are two early-Angkorian male and female deity sculptures from the reign of King Jayavarman II, associated with the Kulen style and regarded as representative works from Angkor’s formative period. The collection also includes a Brahma head and a yaksha sculpture from Koh Ker, and a Bakheng-style bronze sculpture illustrating the development of Khmer sculptural art.
The ministry said the 74 objects were not merely ancient artworks but living evidence of Khmer ancestors’ civilisation, insight and talent. Their return held deep meaning for restoring national identity and healing historical trauma.
Cambodia reaffirmed its commitment to working with private holders, institutions and governments worldwide to ensure the sincere and transparent return of Khmer cultural heritage to its homeland.
The ministry thanked government leaders, international institutions and specialist teams that had actively participated in research, negotiations and transportation.
The return signalled Cambodia’s firm progress in protecting and restoring its national cultural heritage for future generations.
By: KPS99TV.
