Module 8 Ethical Question: Cambodian Looting

 Looting of artwork is a big problem that the world faces today. Many pieces are stolen from their original places and sold to museums and private collectors around the world.The looting of Cambodian artwork contributed to funded and prolonged warfare because it generated revenue for the war. The pieces would be sold to either private collectors or museums on the “black art market” that then would cause the sellers to be able to continue buying supplies for warfare and continue war. Looting has affected more than just warfare; it has also impacted the cultural heritage of Cambodia. Most of the statues that were taken from Cambodia were taken off at the ankles, leaving only the feet and pedestal behind. The people of Cambodia are left with very little of their history to remember, for the artifacts that teach the people their religion have been stolen away from them and their future generations. They are also losing something that is still sacred to them. They still worship what the art pieces that has been taken. They can only imagine what was once there to teach them their culture, religion, and status of life. Today, we can follow tracks of some of the missing artworks. Now, this may prove to be an arduous task, but I think the end will be worth the return of the artworks to their home. We also could return the looted artworks from public museums and private collections to their homes. It would significantly improve the tourism in the areas and the historical importance in the areas in Cambodia. I think people going through a museum need to consider where the museums obtain an art piece. This would make them more  aware of the history of the piece rather than just what it looks like and where its origin was. In terms of the art market, I think they need to go through the government of a nation before buying it from someone. If the work was not sold to the person directly then the buyer can directly send it back to that nation. As collectors, they need to be aware whether works are considered missing to a nation. If they happen to purchase a work that seems to be stolen they then can return the work to its home. Looting is still a problem in Cambodia. People are still stealing and selling art; thus worsening the loss of heritage in Cambodia. Thankfully, though some pieces have been returned, for example, Skanda on a Peacock and Khmer Statue and they are being displayed in museums in Cambodia.

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Citations

“Blood Antiquities: After Lengthy Fight, Sotheby's Agrees to Return Looted Khmer Statue.” CHASING APHRODITE, February 17, 2015. https://chasingaphrodite.com/2013/12/16/blood-antiquities-after-lengthy-fight-sothebys-agrees-to-return-looted-khmer-statue/.

Evin, Florence. “Cambodia's Khmer Heritage Threatened by Looting of Archeological Sites.” The Guardian. Guardian News and Media, August 3, 2010. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/aug/03/cambodia-khmer-heritage-unesco-angkor.

Packard, Cassie. “Looted 10th-Century Cambodian Statue Is Going Home.” Hyperallergic, July 22, 2021. https://hyperallergic.com/664041/looted-cambodian-statue-skanda-on-a-peacock-goes-home/.