Now Reading: A Sacred Journey Home: Chicago Museum Returns 12th-Century Buddha to Nepal
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A Sacred Journey Home: Chicago Museum Returns 12th-Century Buddha to Nepal
A Sacred Journey Home: Chicago Museum Returns 12th-Century Buddha to Nepal
Have you ever heard a story about a piece of history finally finding its way back home? That is exactly what is happening right now in the world of art! The Art Institute of Chicago (AIC) has announced that it is returning a very special, 12th-century sculpture to the country of Nepal.
The Story of the Protected Buddha
The artwork is a beautiful sculpture known as Buddha Sheltered by the Serpent King Muchalinda. It shows a famous scene where a serpent king protects the Buddha from a powerful storm. While the statue has been on display at the museum in Chicago since 1997, recent research revealed a sad truth: it was actually stolen from Guita Bahi in the Kathmandu Valley of Nepal.
Doing the Right Thing through Research
You might wonder how the museum decided to give it back. The AIC has one of the largest teams in the United States dedicated to “provenance research,” which is a fancy way of saying they investigate the history and ownership of their art.
By working together with Nepalese officials, the museum confirmed that the statue belonged in Nepal. Jacques Schuhmacher, the museum’s head of research, explained that this move shows how important it is for museums to reach out and collaborate with communities around the world. This is part of a bigger trend where museums are looking closely at their collections and returning items that were taken unfairly.
Why This Matters for the Future
For the people of Nepal, this isn’t just about a piece of stone; it’s about their identity. Sharad Raj Aran from Nepal’s embassy shared that this sacred sculpture carries the stories and values of their culture. Its return helps make sure that future generations can stay connected to their own history.
This kind act doesn’t just fix a mistake from the past—it also helps build a stronger friendship and better cooperation between the Art Institute of Chicago and the country of Nepal for years to come.
A Helpful Way to Think About It: Think of it like finding a precious family photo that was taken from someone’s home a long time ago. Even if you have kept it safe on your own wall for years, the right thing to do is return it to the family so they can celebrate their own story once again.
Krishna Paksha Thapa (KANXEY) is an art lover, illustrator, and storyteller from Nepal (Now in Israel). An independent creator who loves to write and paint, he brings stories to life through sketches, words, and visual expression.
