2 Thai Lintels
Description:
San Francisco's Asian Art Museum returned 2 hand-carved sandstone lintels (structural components from 9th- and 10th-century religious sanctuaries in Northeastern Thailand). In 2017, United States Homeland Security Investigations began an investigation into these allegedly stolen Thai lintels and facilitated their return in 2021.
Case Status: Object(s) relinquished
Year Claim Initiated: 2017
Year Claim Resolved: 2021
Means of Resolution: Action by Respondent's Govt.
Complainant Name: Government of Thailand
Complainant Nation: Thailand
Complainant Nation Economy: Developing
Complainant Type: Public: Government
Respondent Name: Asian Art Museum
Respondent Nation: United States
Respondent Nation Economy: Developed
Respondent Type: Private: Institution
Reference Links:
- https://www.ice.gov/news/releases/hsi-returns-stolen-sacred-artifacts-thailand-commemoration-ceremony
- https://www.cnn.com/style/article/san-francisco-thailand-lintels/index.html
- https://apnews.com/article/lifestyle-travel-government-and-politics-arts-and-entertainment-a9987cee57a5a2cb6eab73073b12572a
Files:
Editor's Notes:
Edited by Keli Fisher
WHERE ARE THEY NOW?
Both lintels were returned to their location of origin. One at the Prasat Khao Lon, in Thap Rat, Thailand, and the other at Prasat Nong Hong in Non Din Daeng, Thailand. They are accessible to the public.