The relics are worth around $250,000 and were taken into custody in 2015
The Manhattan’s District Attorney’s office has returned 45 rare antiques to the people of Pakistan. These antiquities were seized after a number of warrants were executed by the law enforcement agencies in 2015. They were recovered from an art seller Nayef Homsi, who is known to sell trafficked antiques from South Asia.
At a ceremony held at Pakistan’s Consulate General in New York, the Manhattan District Attorney Cy Vance, Jr. said that 45 antiques, with an approximate value of $250,000 are being returned. These relics include Bodhisattva Maitreya (a friendly Buddha), a Gandharan box of religious relics and a gray schist relief of Panchika and his consort Hariti Panchika. Hariti Stele, a gray schist head of Buddha below a bodhi, the tree of awakening, and a Gandharan head of Buddha under the bodhi tree — all dating back to the 2nd Century CE — are also among the returned antiques.
“Many people believe the looting and theft of antiquities are injustices that only occurred in the past, but these crimes of culture are still being committed all over the world every day,” said District Attorney. “I strongly encourage all collectors and gallery owners to conduct due diligence and ensure all pieces they purchase were lawfully acquired.”
Special Agent-in-Charge of HSI New York Peter C. Fitzhugh said that the higher returns from the smuggling and trafficking antiquities encouraged some people to come into this business. He emphasized the need for all communities to work together to discourage this trade.
“HSI recognizes the importance of both international and local partnerships in locating pilfered antiquities and cultural property, and it is through these repatriations that new generations are able to experience a part of their nation’s story,” he said.
Pakistan is home to some of the oldest civilizations in the world in Harappa, Mohenjo-Daro, and Indus Valley civilization. Unfortunately, some people try to sell priceless relics illegally to make a quick buck. The return of these antiques will certainly discourage the traffickers.