Surrounded by Cambodian antiquities, Cambodian ambassador to the United States Keo Chhea talks with American officials after a news conference in New York, Monday, Aug. 8, 2022. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
In a poignant tale of redemption, a former looter named Toek Tik, weakened by cancer, played a pivotal role in Cambodia’s recovery of a stolen cultural treasure—a statue. Toek Tik transitioned from being a thief to becoming a key collaborator with a team of Cambodian investigators led by American lawyer Brad Gordon, dedicated to tracking down stolen treasures.
The looting of Cambodia’s cultural artifacts has a history spanning a century, intensifying during the country’s colonization by France and escalating into a global enterprise during the 1970s, ’80s, and ’90s amid genocide, civil war, and political upheaval. Cambodia’s temples, housing sacred stone, bronze, and gold artifacts, became vulnerable targets for unscrupulous antiquities collectors.
Douglas Latchford, a British dealer, was identified as the mastermind behind large-scale looting in Cambodia, with Toek Tik supplying him with thousands of looted artifacts. Latchford, despite portraying himself as a scholar and protector of Cambodia’s culture, faced accusations of stealing many artifacts featured in his books. He sold the majority of the loot to wealthy collectors and museums, retaining some for himself.
In 2011, a stolen sandstone warrior from Koh Ker brought Latchford to the attention of US law enforcement. Although indicted by US authorities in 2019 for smuggling, conspiracy, and wire fraud, Latchford passed away before facing trial. Former looters, including Toek Tik, played a crucial role in providing testimony for the case against Latchford.
Brad Gordon negotiated the return of Latchford’s personal collection of stolen treasures with his family, marking a significant step in repatriation efforts. The Metropolitan Museum of Art (Met) also recently agreed to voluntarily return 13 artifacts tied to Latchford. However, other stolen Cambodian antiquities, including those at the Met, are still sought for repatriation.
Phoeurng Sackona, Cambodia’s culture minister, sees the Met’s announcement as a “first step” and anticipates the return of more treasures. Additionally, the family of the late billionaire George Lindemann is voluntarily returning 33 stolen treasures from his collection, symbols of Cambodia’s gods and ancestors, after decades of displacement.
Brad Gordon expressed the sentiment that the artifacts’ return signifies a homecoming for Cambodia’s cultural treasures, emphasizing, “We feel like the gods have spoken today. They want to come home.” The story encapsulates a transformative journey from theft to restitution, underscoring the complexities of repatriating cultural heritage and the potential for individuals to contribute to the restoration of their nation’s treasures.