Art Institute of Chicago Repatriates Sacred Buddha Statue to Nepal

# Art Institute of Chicago Returns 12th-Century Buddha Sculpture to Nepal

## A Significant Repatriation Effort

The Art Institute of Chicago (AIC) recently announced the return of the 12th-century stone statue *Buddha Sheltered by the Serpent King Muchalinda* to Nepal. This artifact, identified as looted from Nepal in 2021, marks another step in the museum’s ongoing efforts to address provenance concerns related to its collection.

### The Journey of the Buddha Statue

The Buddha statue, a highly revered cultural artifact, was originally housed in Guita Tole, Patan, Kathmandu. According to *Lost Arts of Nepal*, an online heritage activism group, the artwork was stolen and eventually acquired by the AIC in 2014 from Marilynn Alsdorf, a well-known collector of Asian art. The museum’s records, however, do not explicitly mention this provenance, raising concerns about transparency in documentation.

### Repatriation and Provenance Research

Since 2020, the museum has intensified efforts in provenance research, leading to the return of multiple cultural objects. This initiative became even more focused in December 2023, when the AIC appointed Jacques Schuhmacher as its first-ever executive director of provenance research.

In its recent announcement, the museum stated that the return of the Buddha statue was part of its commitment to working with countries and communities to rectify historical injustices related to cultural heritage. However, critics argue that much of the research identifying looted artifacts is driven by independent heritage groups and journalists rather than museum-led investigations.

### A Pattern of Controversy in the Alsdorf Collection

The Alsdorf Collection, which significantly contributed to the AIC’s Asian art holdings, has come under scrutiny in recent years. Investigative reports from *ProPublica* and *Crain’s Chicago Business* indicate that multiple objects donated to the museum by the Alsdorf couple were likely looted from Nepal. Other U.S. museums have also faced similar challenges with artifacts sourced from the Alsdorfs.

One controversial piece still in the museum’s possession is a gilt-copper Nepalese necklace from Kathmandu’s *Taleju Temple*, which was likewise flagged by investigators as unlawfully removed. Despite calls for its return, the museum has yet to take action.

### The Broader Issue of Looted Art

The unauthorized removal and trade of cultural artifacts from Nepal has been illegal since 1956. However, looted objects continue to surface in international museum collections, often through private donations or acquisitions made before digital provenance tracking became standard. Heritage activists argue that U.S. museums must implement stronger due diligence processes and engage with affected communities for restitution.

### Moving Toward Ethical Museum Practices

While the AIC’s return of the Buddha statue is an important milestone, experts believe museums must acknowledge the systemic nature of looted collections. Art crime specialist Professor Erin Thompson suggests that institutions should focus on broader reforms rather than treating individual repatriations as isolated goodwill gestures.

Activists from organizations like *Lost Arts of Nepal* and the *Nepal Heritage Recovery Campaign* continue to push for the return of religious and cultural artifacts taken from Nepalese temples and historical sites. Their advocacy underscores the importance of local expertise in holding institutions accountable.

### Conclusion

As more museums reevaluate their collections, the return of the *Buddha Sheltered by the Serpent King Muchalinda* to Nepal represents a growing shift toward ethical stewardship of cultural heritage. However, it also highlights lingering gaps in transparency and accountability. Experts hope that continued pressure from researchers and the global community will lead to more comprehensive efforts to address the historical injustices of looted artifacts.