Bangkok, May 31: Two ancient artefacts stolen from Thailand during the Vietnam War were returned back to the country on May 25th, 2021, in a commemoration ceremony. After investigating for 3 years, the Department of Homeland Security agreed that the religiously significant lintels (a horizontal structural support that covers the space or opening between two vertical supports. It is used as a decorative piece) were illegally exported from Thailand over 50 years ago. The artefacts were on display at the Asian Art Museum, San Francisco.
The 1000-year-old lintels weigh about 1500 pound (680 kg) and are made up of sandstone. The artefacts were originally part of the ancient religious temples of Thailand dating back to about 9th- 10th century old and are examples of hand-carved decorative relics and art traditions of Southeast Asian art. They show the influence of the architecture of the ancient Khmer Kingdom. The Khmer kingdom has its roots found in present-day Cambodia.
Examples of some stolen artefacts that were returned to the country of origin:
1. In September 2020, Britain returned three idols of Lord Ram, Lakshman and Sita dating back to the 15th century to India. It was stolen from a temple of Vijayanagar empire in present day Tamil Nadu.
2. In November 2018, the Netherlands returned the mosaic of Saint Mark, dating back to 6th century AD to Cyprus.
Image Credit: Kevin Candland