Nepal’s Stolen Artifacts: Repatriated from the U.S. After 45 Years and Restored in Kathmandu

The National Museum of Nepal today formally transferred three ancient artifacts, recently repatriated from the United States, to the Bhaskardev Sanskarit Keshachandrakrit Paravat Mahavihar Conservation Society in Itumbahal. The transfer facilitates the artifacts’ restoration and preservation.

The ceremonial transfer was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Urban Development, Prakashman Singh. Aruna Nakarmi, director of the National Museum, facilitated the process. The artifacts, which had been removed from Nepal over four decades ago, represent a significant return of cultural heritage.

The repatriated items are thangkas, traditional Nepalese Buddhist scroll paintings. Thangka art typically depicts deities, mandalas, or Buddhist narratives, and is created on cotton or silk appliqué using mineral and organic pigments.

The returned thangkas include: a 300-year-old depiction of Chintamani Lokeshwar; a 575-year-old thangka featuring Gagan Singh Bharo and his wife; and a 321-year-old representation of Bhairav with Keshachandra.

These items were removed from the Paravat Mahavihar on September 14, 1980, and subsequently transported to the United States. Their discovery at the Art Institute of Chicago in 2003, reported by art enthusiast Stephen Eckard, initiated efforts for their return. The artifacts were returned to Nepal on March 2, 2025, and temporarily held at the National Museum.

The handover was preceded by a formal agreement signed by Aruna Nakarmi, director of the National Museum, and representatives of the Conservation Society, including Chairman Prajna Ratna Shakya, Vice-Chairman Ramesh Man Shakya, Secretary Ratna Sambhav Shakya, and Kathmandu Metropolitan City Ward 24 member Ratnakar Bajracharya. The repatriation effort involved coordinated work between Nepal’s Department of Archaeology and the Newa Guthi in the U.S., led by Bijay Man Singh

During the ceremony, Deputy Prime Minister Singh acknowledged those involved in the repatriation and emphasized the need for ongoing efforts to protect Nepal’s cultural assets. Bagmati Province Assembly member Shailendra Man Bajracharya noted the role of various government levels in heritage preservation, stating that these artifacts serve as historical links for future generations. Kathmandu Metropolitan City Deputy Mayor Sunita Dangol also recognized the contributions of individuals such as Bijay Man Singh and pledged municipal support for the artifacts’ preservation.

The Paravat Mahavihar Conservation Society, led by Chairman Prajna Ratna Shakya, has established a dedicated museum at the Mahavihar for these cultural items. Shakya noted the return of the artifacts to their original location, re-establishing a tradition where they were displayed for 15 days during the Gula festival until 1980. National Museum director Aruna Nakarmi expressed confidence that the artifacts will now be securely safeguarded. 

Nepal has seen several other artifact returns in recent years. These have included ancient stone sculptures from various countries, as well as metalwork, ritual objects, and historical manuscripts. These repatriations are the result of cooperative efforts by governmental bodies, international organizations, and individuals.