US returns two ancient sculptures to Nepal

KATHMANDU: The US government has formally handed over two ancient Nepali sculptures to Nepal.

The sculptures — Padmapani, dating back to the 13th century, and Nritya Devi, from the 16th century — were handed over to the Government of Nepal during a ceremony held at the Consulate General of Nepal in New York.

The sculptures were under the custody of the New York County District Attorney’s Office.

Consul General Dadhiram Bhandari and Colonel Mathew Bogdanos from the New York County District Attorney’s Office jointly signed a Minutes of Concurrence regarding the transfer of the sculptures to Nepal, according to the Nepali consulate in New York.

Officials from the New York County District Attorney’s Office, representatives from the Metropolitan Museum, investigators, chairperson and officials of the Newa Guthi, representatives of Nepali community organizations, and journalists attended the ceremony.

The 13th-century bronze Padmapani belonged to Vikramshil Mahavihar in Tmamel. Last documented in 1971, it is believed to have been taken out of Nepal between 1971 and 1977. Similarly, the 16th-century wooden statue of Nṛtya Devi is believed to have been stolen from Ibah Bahi in Lalitpur between 1969 and 1983.