The Art Institute of Chicago (AIC) this week announced the return of Buddha Sheltered by the Serpent King Muchalinda to Nepal, acknowledging that the 12th-century sculpture was stolen from Guita Bahi in the Kathmandu Valley.
The decision follows new provenance research and collaboration with Nepalese officials, the museum said. The return comes as institutions are being increasingly driven—or forced—to restitute and repatriate stolen cultural goods.
The statue, which depicts the Buddha protected by the serpent king during a storm, has been on display at the museum since 1997. “This return reflects the importance of provenance research as well as the Art Institute’s proactive outreach and collaboration with countries and communities,” said Jacques Schuhmacher, the museum’s executive director of provenance research, in a statement.
The Nepalese government welcomed the move. “This sacred sculpture is a carrier of stories, traditions, and values… its return strengthens the bond between heritage and community, ensuring future generations can connect with their history,” said Sharad Raj Aran, of Nepal’s embassy in Washington, D.C. The repatriation not only strengthens Nepal’s cultural heritage but also sets a precedent for future cooperation between Nepal and the AIC.
The AIC maintains one of the largest provenance research teams in the US, underscoring a broader institutional shift toward addressing problematic acquisitions. The return of the Muchalinda Buddha is part of a growing trend in the museum world, with many institutions now facing increased scrutiny over the provenance of artworks in their collections.