Cambodia Returns 18 Khmer Cultural Objects from London

Cambodia formally repatriated 18 Khmer cultural objects recovered in London on Friday, according to a press release from the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts.

The artifacts were recovered by the Art and Antiques Unit of London's Metropolitan Police Service, with assistance from the Heritage Crime Task Force led by the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe.

The collection, dating from the 10th to the 13th centuries, includes stone sculptures, bronze ritual objects, and jewelry fragments, with notable pieces in the Baphuon and Bayon styles.

The returned items also feature a Buddhist bell, dancing figures, decorative plaques, and a ceremonial bronze lamp, as stated in the press release.

The artifacts were originally recovered in November 2025, it said, adding that following authentication by experts who confirmed their Cambodian origin, the ministry submitted a formal claim for their return in September 2026.

The press release stated that the return represents progress in Cambodia's efforts to recover its cultural heritage, which has been displaced due to war, theft, and the illicit antiquities trade.