Stolen Buddhas and sovereignty claims

Abstract

Supported by international legal initiatives, a number of Asian countries are calling for the return of revered Buddhist icons, many of which had been removed from their homelands during times of colonial rule or war. Identified as national cultural properties, repatriated icons often find new homes in state art museums, but this has caused problems because modern museums assign secular status to artworks. Furthermore, religious communities have changed over time and extend across borders. As the prominent cases of Buddhist icon repatriation explored in this chapter demonstrate, many issues arising with restitution are a direct result of the overriding importance attached to sovereignty in international relations today.