The artefacts were returned in a formal ceremony. (National Gallery of Australia)

Australia's national gallery has announced its decision to return three sculptures to Cambodia following an investigation that revealed they were likely illegally taken from the country. The bronze sculptures, dating back to the 9th-10th century, were reportedly purchased in 2011 by British art dealer Douglas Latchford, who was later linked to the illegal trade of antiquities. Despite Latchford's death in 2020, charges have been laid posthumously regarding the artworks he sold.

At a handover ceremony, Australia's special envoy for the arts, Susan Templeman, emphasized that returning the sculptures to Cambodia was "an opportunity to put right a historical wrong".

The Cambodian government collaborated with Australia on the matter with a cooperative and gracious attitude. Cambodia's ambassador to Australia, Chanborey Cheunboran, called the handover a historic occasion and an essential step towards acknowledging past injustices and preserving cultural heritage.

The sculptures, named Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara Padmapani, Bodhisattva Vajrapani, and Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara Padmapani, will remain on display in Australia for up to three years while the Cambodian government prepares a new home for them in Phnom Penh.

This move comes after Cambodia has persistently urged foreign governments to assist in the recovery of numerous antiquities, looted from its ancient temples during colonial rule, including some that are currently exhibited in the Victoria and Albert Museum and the British Museum.