Cambodia Reclaims 13 Looted Khmer Masterpieces as Global Push for Restitution Gains Strength

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Dec. 18, 2025) — Cambodia has welcomed the return of 13 Khmer masterpieces from the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco, marking a major victory in its decades long campaign to recover cultural treasures looted during war and instability.

The Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts said the restitution followed a unanimous decision by the Asian Art Commission on Sept. 24, after provenance investigations confirmed the artifacts were unlawfully removed from Cambodia. The findings were supported by U.S. Homeland Security Investigations, Cambodian researchers, and museum provenance teams.

The returned works include statues of deities, stone heads, a lion sculpture, and carved architectural elements, many tied to trafficking networks linked to disgraced antiquities dealer Douglas Latchford.

Culture Minister Phoeurng Sackona hailed the return as an act of “cultural justice and healing,” saying the artifacts embody the identity and spiritual heritage of the Khmer people. She praised the museum’s transparency in sharing provenance records, calling it essential to uncovering the truth behind looted antiquities.

The restitution adds to growing international momentum for ethical returns. Just a day earlier, Cambodia received three sacred sculptures from the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Asian Art, following an October decision by its Board of Regents. Those works — the Head of Harihara, the Goddess Uma, and Prajnaparamita — were also removed during years of conflict.

Cambodian officials said the developments reflect rising global recognition of restitution practices and urged other museums to follow suit, underscoring Cambodia’s determination to reclaim its cultural legacy.