13th Century Stone Statue of Shakyamuni Buddha Restored in Nhuchhe Bahal

Kathmandu. A 13th-century stone statue of Shakyamuni Buddha, which was taken to the United States by thieves, has been ceremonially restored in local Nhuchhe Bahal.

The statue was recently restored there in coordination with Kathmandu Metropolitan City, the Department of Archaeology, and heritage activists.

According to archaeologist Sarita Subedi, after the stolen statue was found in America, the Department of Archaeology coordinated with Tibet House Collections in America and brought it back to Nepal. The statue, which was in a museum in America, was brought to Nepal with the cooperation of the government, various organizations, scholars, and domestic and foreign heritage activists.

The statue, which reflects a peaceful and serene expression, is believed to have been constructed in the 13th century. Considered important from an archaeological and cultural perspective, this heritage is considered an excellent example of the art, culture, and sculpture of that period.

According to official Subedi, as per international law, if any country's cultural heritage is found in another country, it must be returned to the original country after completing the necessary legal procedures, and accordingly, this heritage was brought back to Nepal.

Upon receiving information that stolen statues, artifacts, and other cultural heritage from Nepal are located in any country, the Department of Archaeology initiates the process of bringing them back through diplomatic channels.

There is a provision for the concerned country to bear the transportation costs when returning Nepali heritage located in museums, auction houses, or private collections of various countries. Official Subedi informed that the Nepali community and organizations active in heritage conservation in the concerned countries also continuously provide support in this regard.

Excellent examples of wood carving, sculpture, stone carving, and architecture built in the medieval period in the Kathmandu Valley are preserved in various monasteries. Such heritage provides an important basis for the study of the art, culture, and construction style of the society of that time.