Nepal is rejoicing as a priceless 13th-century Buddha statue, stolen from a sacred temple nearly two decades ago, has been recovered in New York and is set to be repatriated to its ancestral home. The intricately carved bronze statue, which dates back to the Malla dynasty, was stolen from the Dabali temple in Bhaktapur in 2008. The recovery comes after a lengthy investigation and collaboration between Nepalese authorities and the FBI, which tracked the statue's movement through a network of art dealers and collectors. The statue's return marks a significant victory for Nepal in its efforts to reclaim its cultural heritage and brings closure to a community that has long mourned the loss of this irreplaceable artifact.
Nepal celebrates return of stolen 13th-century Buddha statue from New York Al Jazeera
