I may not be Cambodian (I'm Filipino) but I feel the loss and desecration done to Cambodia's looted sacred sculpture. Very heartening to see that some have found their way home ❤ thank you for the great reporting 👍
can't say it was bad thing though. just like Chiinese Communists, they destroyed their own culture and heritage. if Europeans didn't brought them over to their museums, these would have been destroyed too.
As a Cambodia, this video gives me appreciation for the awareness to my people’s treasures. Thank you for highlighting our culture, histories and the importance of bringing our treasures back home. Hopefully more will return soon.
They aren’t really your peoples treasures though. They were created by a completely different culture from you. You are not genetically related to those people at all.
@@Jay017 you have the largest Hindu temple in your country, Hindu kings build large and astonishing Cities all over combodia.but tell me how many Hindus are left there at the present time?
@@rithSov I know it's a islamic country, but it used to be a Hindu nation in past, why you forgot your ancient culture and religion? Why you got converted?
This is first time I saw the army commander beside the other statue. It overwhelmingly happily to see them back together once again. Thank you to all of US team & Cambodia government for efforts to brought them back.
Thank you for working together to bring back the ancient treasure back to Cambodia and special thanks to Mr Cooper and his crew for making this documentary possible.
Cooper only showed up after "mission accomplished." Look up other programs (quite a few on youtube) where they tell the whole story from the beginning: an Asian lady in a London neighborhood picked up a copy of Architectural Digest at her local newspaper kiosk, and the search began...
Cooper only showed up after "mission accomplished." Look up other programs (quite a few on youtube) where they tell the whole story from the beginning: an Asian lady in a London neighborhood picked up a copy of Architectural Digest at her local newspaper kiosk, and the search began...
I kept watching and waiting for the REAL and important story ..........The BLOODY .Khmer Rouge,,,,,,,,Please CBS , when your done patting COOPies on the back , back dive into the real HELL that is more pertinent to the season the world is in now.
Thank you, Cooper and 60 Minutes, for profiling the extraordinarily rich culture of Cambodia. Having visited that beautiful country and viewed all the wholesale destruction in its ancient sites, I feel the work of repairing the world is taking place through these efforts to return these stolen artifacts!
Cooper only showed up after "mission accomplished." Look up other programs (quite a few on youtube) where they tell the whole story from the beginning: an Asian lady in a London neighborhood picked up a copy of Architectural Digest at her local newspaper kiosk, and the search began...
As a fellow Southeast Asian, nothing makes me feel prouder than seeing my Cambodian friends restore back their rights and ancestral heritage. This is their history and culture. Amithaba 🙏🙏🙏
I’m Cambodian ethnicities ! My parent recall the atrocities of the Genocides and the looters from neighbors contries the reason you saw statues head cut off or bodies dismembers it’s because inside those statues bodies there’s is gems , stones , diamonds, rubis hidden in there. Also France has been drilling a deep hole inside one of the Cambodian Temple in search of treasures and priceless values hidden. Cambodia are known of the lands of Gemstones 💎especially Pailin Province we’re my father was known a successful entrepreneur Business 1950-60-1970) in Gemologies before the Genocides but War (1975-1979) has left us only with bare skins. Thank you Anderson Cambodia will be forever grateful for bringing this footages into light in plight of all the souls of our ancestors. I’ll know there is still Thousands of prestige’s statues remain hidden around the world . Mostly Thailand, Vietnam , France , UK, China need to be investigated thoroughly . ❤🥹😔🙏🙏🇰🇭🇰🇭🇰🇭❤️
@@sittichaiboonswangIt does. The museum itself also confirms its origin. But how did it end up in Thailand even if it was sold by the looter? It implies the museum backs looters and criminals.
I have been to Angkor Wat and it's the most incredible place I have ever visited. Khmer culture is so beautiful and the Khmer people should have all their relics returned to them. It's really sad to see the Met and other respected art galleries and museums dragging their feet when it comes to returning stolen items that they totally knew were stolen. They should pay reparations to Cambodia for being a part of such a horrible crime. Lots of love to the Cambodian people. I can't wait to visit your beautiful country again.
Beautifully said ❤ Stories like this, and people standing up who know right from wrong, is part of the ‘shift’ that’s happening worldwide. One love to all reading this. ❤️
The people who are stalling the return conducting Their Own Private Investigations sound a little bit off and you look a little bit off and my guess is they have no intention of returning the Antiquities. They're going to put it off as long as they can hoping that it will be forgotten. What happened to the law about receiving stolen property. None of these aren't pieces left the country of origin legally. Anyone in possession of foreign religious objects could be arrested.
The Metropolitan Museum didn't have any urgency to return any of the items because they were profiting off of them by patrons who buy tickets to their museum.
I have lived in Cambodia 13 years. I'm American Buddhist Hindu teaching English. When i saw them open the first crate, statue i almost cried. Maybe i lived in Cambodia in past life, whenever i see this kind of story it touches my heart. There is enough proof all the Met Statues should be returned now.
Thank you for covering this and bring this to light. As a Cambodian and may not live in there. I am very great full for the team to get those statues back. I hope that all the statues will return to Cambodia. Thank you Anderson Cooper for covering this.
Really thanks to the team of investigators, archaeologists ,art Scholars who are trying their best and effort about priceless artifacts from religious sites across Cambodia and bring them back home. We love you all from Cambodia🥰
As a Cambodian citizen, allow me to heartfelt thank to u Mr. Cooper for your take on our stolen artifacts and your contribution to our cultural reclaim
#Yuge! This #60Minutes segment on the looting of #Cambodia's #SacredSculptures is absolutely one of the best CBS has ever produced. We need more of segments like this. Special Thanks #AndersonCooper and to everyone else involved, both in front of the camera and behind the scenes. Finally, Cambodia, we salute you.
John Oliver covered this last year. It's not just Cambodia. Stolen artifacts from Egypt, Greece, India, and Africa are being kept in museums all over the world and away from their home countries. These museums aren't just negligent. They know the artifacts are stolen/lack provenance and are actively trying to hold onto them so they can continue profiting off exhibits, despite pleas to return them.
We also have to investigate thailand for looting too. There are many Cambodian ancient artifacts stolen , they should do the right thing and return them.
Thank you for sharing this information. Cambodia suffered many atrocities during the Khmer Rouge and many arts and culture was lost. Although the Khmer Rouge tried to eradicate Cambodia's culture, the truth is finally coming out. Unfortunately, during the recovery phase following the aftermath of the Khmer Rouge, Cambodians resorted to survival rather than sharing their rich culture and many of the arts were lost to neighboring countries. It has been hard for Cambodia to gain recognition for their traditional art, sculptures, foods, and clothing but Cambodia has persevered and programs with credibility and reliable sources like 60 minutes will help Cambodia regain some of their historical artifacts. Recently, I have noticed many TH-cam channels attacking Cambodia for trying to regain their traditions and the problem with those channels is that they play videos that are biased and have unreliable resources. Thank you again 60 minutes for showing the truth on how looters stole from the temples and how many ancient sculptures belong to Cambodia.
👏This news is great news for the people of Cambodia, but not for their government (the corruption Gov). I am grateful to the 60 Minutes CBS news crew for capturing these documents and returning Ancient Khmer artifacts to Cambodia.🙏 Thanks to the Met Museum in NY/US have released and returned those looted Khmer artifacts to their home locations (Cambodia). 🙏Your excellent report is greatly appreciated.🙏
Cambodia was one step of the most important Empires. Their knowledge of Metallurgy would astound the World today. They were Alchemists who even today can not be matched.
Anything the Met bought or received from Douglas should be returned. Anything in a museum that was never truthfully acquired by the country of origin should be returned.
Those looted sculptures are everywhere. If Cambodia wants them back, they can start with having Singapore return the contents of the Asian civilization museum to them. Then they can hit up the Asian art museum in San Francisco.
Are they the real ones or replicas? I’m in San Francisco and Sotheby’s operates here too, so it’s very possible the ones you noticed at the Asian Art Museum are from Cambodia.
Incredible story. The Met showed the arrogance that many museums feel they (and their benefactors) are privileged to. Getty here in LA is finally returning antiquities. I do have a bit of understanding that having these in museums to show the public does provide education. But, even worse is that these artifacts, along with many more from countries and cultures around the world, are sitting in wealthy homes never to be seen again. I do appreciate the donation back by the Lindemanns, but more holders should follow their lead.
i agree that having pieces in museums do provide education and opportunity to learn very much. if things were different, it would be possible for Cambodia to Willingly allow a few pieces. But these were stolen, they have to be returned. It wouldn't be quite the same,, but they could do replica's,, (if the Cambodian people were accepting of that. But Reality is,,, they don't belong to us, the US, at all.
Cambodia is such a nice country, its culture is so unique and beautiful, and Ankor Wat was simply spectacular, even with all the destruction. Can't imagine how it must have looked like before it got ruined and looted. The country went through really turbulent times, to say the least, I hope it only gets better from here on. Can't forget those children's innocent eyes...
@@dannnsss8034 Corruption and injustice exist in every country by varying degrees. Compared to what happened in Cambodia in the past, like mass killings of civilians as you can see in this clip , Cambodia is not in as bad shape as it used to be. The damages it had to bear over the years were so deep that you can feel that people are still recovering when you go there. Skeletons, mines, mass killing and torture sites are everywhere, I couldn't even make it to killing field because I felt so nauseated visiting a few sites first. The country deserves to get better although it will take time.
@@-xxMelissaxx- The comment was naive. Imagine if the US were to force foreigners to register with the police every time they changed addresses, or if foreigners had to pay 5x more for a license or to register a vehicle... the outcry of racism would be earth shattering, yet this is SOP for Cambodia, and the developing world on the whole.
I have visited and toured those looted priceless ancient gods and Khmer ancestors in ancient ruins from Angkor Wat to many sites around the areas. It is truly devastating to see greed among humanity. When you are down on your luck, you get more kicking and beating. 😢 Thank you for airing the documentary.
I’m glad this report emphasized that these pieces are not “art”; that is, objects created only to be looked at - but are sacred to the people from which they originated. In the 1970s, I was in college doing a minor in art history. The university was starting a program in art appraisal. I took a couple of the first classes offered. Above all, they emphasized the importance of provenance and diligent research before valuing any piece being sold as art. The issue of theft and black market dealing was well acknowledged. Even then, when visiting museums and galleries, I began to feel uneasy in the presence of “cultural artifacts” sitting behind glass and in pristine and sterile buildings. Surely, I felt, this wasn’t where they were intended to be: gawked at by the curious and subjected to cold analysis. My life went in a different direction, but watching this, it’s astounding to me that while I was learning about investigating provenance decades ago, the Met and other top museums were knowingly acquiring stolen art. A dirty business full of high-status people who can’t fill their lives with enough stuff to fill the emptiness inside themselves. Hungry ghosts. Shame on them.
When I was a kid, I was ignorant of the fact that some of the cultural artifacts I was seeing was probably stolen or went into shady dealings before landing in the museum, so I could marvel and have fun. Now knowing most musuems don't care about the integrity acquiring a cultural artifact, it makes me uneasy.
I am so not surprised that it's a British person who stole ancient artifacts as they have been doing that for centuries with other countries as well. I'm happy that some artifacts returned home to Cambodia. As much as I love museums, I hate it at the same time when they refuse to return stolen goods. Just watching that lady being uncomfortable just proves how guilty and negligent they are willing to be when it comes to other countries' stolen goods. This should not be a case of 'Finders Keepers' here. As a Cambodian-American I do wish that more of these statues return home, for now, it's a good start.
You are talking rubbish. People have been selling their own history for centuries. British people loved history and culture and bought many objects, saving them for the world. Looting is part of all our histories. All nations have done good and bad things. Most antiquities were stolen and then sold by their own people.
The british also has Cambodian artifacts. When thailand invade Cambodia they stole there artifacts, then the burmese stole them from Thailand and the british looted it from the burmese. The british went under the pretenses of being merchants but they looted everything they found of value including alot historical artifacts. Alot of stuff is i the british warehouse of loot also know has the british national museum
Its the millionaires i have most problems with. They buy & the items are never seen again.* Bank vaults appear to be the final destination for alot of art. Greed is the root of all evil. Humans dont seem to be able to conquer said vice. * unless they show off in glossies (magazines)
@@jumpiam8477it's was a period before thailand became the Ayutthaya kingdom, i think its the era you mentioned. There is a writer that wrote about it. The khmer wasn't prepared to fight cos they didn't have proper attire so they were defeat and winners of the war took alot of there valubles
@jumppiam8477 I hope you reeducate yourself on the history of Southeast Asia before you claimed that Cambodia was a part of Thailand. Khmer empire stood the test of time with all of the artifacts and evidence including those temples that stood till this day in Thailand, Vietnam and Laos. They are proofs that we lost both our territories and ancient artifacts to the neighboring countries that now claim the ownership. In all honesty, there are also many khmers in thailand, laos and vietnam too that never left their homes even after the war was lost and we should instead take care of one another given that we share pretty much the same blood, culture and tradition.
@@Boopdol If you're Cambodian, then I don't have anything to say. Because they tried very hard to claim that everything was their. Although Thai and Cambodian language are completely difference. The root is same, but how people use it and develop it to thier own. That's all that matters. The Khmer Empire doesn't mean only Cambodia. It called all people in that region back then just like Roman Empire. Italian need to claim every artifacts in that region were thier? Part of Thailand we lost during "The territorial losses of Thailand". Now is part of Cambodia. Am I wrong?
This was a good segment. A lot of artifacts need to return back, not only from Cambodia but almost all of them. Stealing one's culture, replacing with your own and then displaying it for your own people is such a sinister thing to do.
@@dennisn4871Indeed ! Thai know very well that Pailin soils underneath it’s worth of gems so they bring their own machinery to imported Cambodia soil in exchange for road reconstruction. The Govn. Cambodia are so blind when it happen. Pailin natural resource it’s scarce and it’s not the same anymore. 😢❤🇰🇭🙏
As the Cambodian people we believe one day our gods and souls of our ancestors will return home. We appreciate all the people who help for the statues return back to Cambodia. Home sweet home Cambodia, love, peaceful and harmony. I love and thankful to my country Cambodia. Cambodian people are so sweet and lovely 🙏🙏🙏💖💖💖🍀🍀🍀🌹🌹🌹🇰🇭
Isn't Angkor Wat owned by an individual? Sold by the Kingdom of Cambodia, It no longer belongs to the People of Cambodia and receive no benefit from the Now $40 for a single day's access. Looks like much of Cambodia's treasures were sold by people who control Cambodia. Remember the French did their part with "repairs" that caused damage.
@@josephlarrybradley508 (Isn't Angkor wat own by individual?) Angkor wat is not owned by individual! Every temple or museum in the world is have to buy tickets too, some countries even their own people have to pay too! like in France . Just look at Louvre Museum, french people had to buy tickets too. Did the people get benefits from? Angkor wat Cambodian people visit free. I am not here to judge or criticise anybody that's what happens in the past. I am just happy that Cambodia received back some statues. I appreciate french that helps to repair too.🙏 If we are go through and search more to the history, always had people did bad things, no matter in which country. I wish for peace and love. I appreciate your comment 🙏🇰🇭💖
@josephlarrybradley508 No, it's owned by the Kingdom of Cambodia. Proceeds from visiting the temple goes to caring many other temples along with Ankgor. These ancient temples need constant maintenance and care.
I believe the British "art dealer" Douglas Latchford knew full well that what he was doing was illegal but he just didn't care. And with his level of scholarship and access, was able to intentionally deceive many unsuspecting millionaires, billionaires, and elite museums around the world. He hired and exploited the former child soldiers of Cambodia and turned them into looters for his own gain -- having paid them what was barely enough to buy rice for a few days, while he went on to garner millions off of their backs. What also astonishes me is how he, as one man, was able to arguably match (or possibly exceed) the levels of theft and ill-gotten gain as that of the Nazis, as they went about violently looting and pillaging the art and jewels of European nations and Jewish families during WWII.
I wonder how he got it into thailand without a bribe.Maybe he has some connections or knows someone who can help him bypass the usual procedures. Thailand is notorious for its corruption, so it wouldn't be surprising if a bribe was involved.
Slow your roll there buddy, not even in the same solar system as the nazis, they hit all of Europe which has about 10,000x’s the loot we’re talking about here
As an American, I am deeply ashamed to say that after the Khmer Rouge was toppled in 1979 by Vietnam which then installed a new government headed by Hun Sen, the Reagan Administration formally announced that the United States continued to recognize the Khmer Rouge as the "legitimate government of Kampuchea (as Cambodia was called in the early 1980s) even though the Khmer Rouge committed the worst Holocaust since the end of WWII. The excuse given by Reagan was that the United States did not want to "lend legitimacy" to what he called a "Vietnamese puppet government" even though Vietnam brought stability to the country and ended the mass killings.
@@yvonneplant9434 of course, it’s a one of the many crimes of the US government. America’s foreign policy has been a disaster. Ronald Reagan is no hero. He’s an embarrassment of disgrace to humanity as he should be to the US American conservatives and nationalist, and have a few idols they can depend on, so they use him.
@@georgfriedrichhandel4390 old REAGAN had the mujhadeen TALIBAN VISITING HIM IN THE WHITE HOUSE YRS AGO FOR TEA I GUESS imagine such an ACTOR was president of ÙSA a COWBOY. I wonder are AMERICANS totally unaware of their BOMBs on Cambodia.
Cambodia isn't the only country that got looted. The Forbidden City in Beijing remains grand on the exterior, but empty in the interior. Most of the objects there are now in museums in NYC, London, and Paris, in addition to Taipei.
This is not an isolated case. The French, among others, looted as well. I've been to Cambodia numerous times. Once when I was on a flight back to Bangkok, there was a French national sitting across from me guarding a large covered basket. There was a sitting deity in the basket. He had "diplomatic immunity". Stolen art in museums is rampant. And then there's the Avery Brundage collection in the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco.
She explained it perfectly 150 years ago these cultures had declined into absolute poverty and we’re selling off all their statues and cultural items. Anyways, it is much better that they were preserved and put on display for the world to see and now that you people can actually appreciate your own culture now You can start having your own museums and make sure that you don’t ruin these statues and all the damn books they wrote about them for you
Cambodian-Americans working to uplift our community, preserve our culture, and light others along the way who experience displacement due to the legacy of civil war and genocide--- this is a step forward to giving us the time, people, and history that we lost back. Sadhu, sadhu, sadhu🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
Too many smuggling items are stolen from hindu temples across the world. I wish to inform all humanity all status are alive irrespective of religion and knows everything. Thank you Sir for this eye opener. May God bless you and your family
As a Southeast Asian, I’ve always felt sad that I can’t see these sacred objects in my home country. I love visiting museums and whenever I see these artifacts, I wonder which ones came from there and which ones were made by the artisans so long ago. There true history, their skills, their stories might never be known and it’s sad that we can’t say ‘look at the beauty that our people created’ in the land that they were birthed.
Same is the story of India. Almost all 40000+ temples in North India were destroyed by the invaders. They could not reach South India easily so the temple were intact... But unfortunately in last couple of hundred years many of these temples were looted and found its way to museums and private collectors in the West. The MO is same... The upper part is severed from the feet... That's why you don't see the feet of many of these statues when displayed in museums.
I see what you are saying, but may I offer another perspective? What if we consider that the creations are so beautiful, remarkable, and valuable that people wanted to share them with their friends and family back home. Perhaps it would be better to say "look at the beauty that our people created" in their homeland which they were created, but it is also indicative of how special the their creations are because people wanted to transport them to the opposite side of the earth to share them. I'm not endorsing these actions, I just want to consider some positives.
in time of genocide, sometimes people do things they regretful later, in order to feed their family/or save their lives. if u were in their situation, would u sacrifice ur life or family’s life for going against the murderous regime? honestly, u can’t know unless that situation happens.
Am i correct? Is this a crazy historical moment having a Vanderbilt sitting in the M.E.T. questioning them about stolen artifacts? Wow, Anderson! Way to go! Great segment!
it was so rewarding experience watching it. As a Hindu, i can relate the sentiments of Cambodian people, these antiquities are worth more than of religious values. They should be where they endemically, ethnically belongs to. Thanks for this Upload🙏
i don't see why anyone would want to hold onto something like this after knowing this story. Knowing that they believe they are living souls. Spirits or souls just stay haunting until they're returned back.
@@sukikom2259 My daughter works in a major museum. I sent her this video. She said, the situation isn't as black and white as the story implies. There is a gray area were museums are concerned.
Let me eliminate the "gray" areas of this issue... Corruption is an all too common human trait. Corruption and scandal is found in the peoples that we trust. That includes governments, religions, law enforcement, in everyones family tree. If you look in the mirror, chances are you're looking at someone who at some time did something corrupt. The list goes on. Should we not include to the list of corruption museum administrations? @@Warriorintraining57
No mention of the Cleveland Museum Of Art returning a long lost statue (taken by the French & left as a step stone in a Paris garden before CMA got it) - it helped fixed a badly botched restoration of the original site, and created an amazing 3D exhibit of the temple it came from. The CMA has been so open and sensitive to the Cambodian people's concerns that the Cambodian government has entered into a partnership with the Cleveland Museum of Art as a token of gratitude.
I've always wanted to go to the Met before. But after seeing this, I think I'll pass. I think if there's a loud enough public uproar, like boycotting the museum, Met might finally give up all their stolen pieces.
The lady from the Met couldnt even face Anderson, let alone make eye contact with him, when she said no one had investigated Latchford’s other donations 🙄
I read an article in The NY Times about a man who essentially created a stolen art/antique/heirloom that prosecuted globally. It was absolutely fascinating the depth it went into. It was completely random and not something I would normally read, but once I started it I could not put it down. Amazing investigative journalism.
@@twobucca I’m gonna look for it and find it. It was incredibly well done. Give me a few days and let me dig into it. It was such a random read, it’s from like 5-6 years ago I believe
I am elated that Cambodia is having its treasures returned. I also know that many nations, other than the U.S., are also in possession of the antiquities from a great number of nations, including Cambodia. They should all be returned.
All these items should be returned and all of these people dealing in stolen goods should be held accountable. The fact that they are all rich and powerful should make no difference. Well done Anderson.
@@m3t3ryikes. This statement set another level of human society. Not sure how much you know about this country? And if you even watched and listened to this interview from start to finished?.
No remorse no regrets omg, people please stop saying you didn’t do anything wrong. How can you guys live doing bad and take it down with your grave wow.
These are all magnificent works of art as well as sacred representations. I'd seen TV documentaries decades ago about the temple lootings and the local police involvement in these crimes. I am so heartened that these pieces are making their way home to the Cambodian people. It is ironic that so many present-day statues of Buddha heads (without the body or at least the *heart* area: "body, speech & mind/heart"!) are created to copy the stolen statue heads from Cambodia - this shows how widespread these stolen items had become around the world - Buddha *heads* have sadly become iconic!
@@himalayan1797 Yes, but there were also Buddhist temples that were looted, especially those from the time of Jayavarman VII (12th-13th c), who built many Buddhist temples in Khmer/Cambodia. Buddhism has existed in Cambodia since the 5th century. A great loss. Yes, the knowledge of karma is important in Buddhism, too. Lots of karma ripening in nations at this time.
@@himalayan1797 Yes, I've had the privilege to study with Tibetan Rinpoches in Australia, being a practising Buddhist. I also have an extensive library of Sutras, Tantras, and of course the Commentaries. Big area of study for me! 🙏
@@himalayan1797 Vishnu is a Hindu Deity. I’m a Buddhist. Siddhartha Gautama who became a Buddha in his lifetime, studied first with Vedanta Brahmins before his 6-year meditation trial in the forest. He came to his own understanding about Reality and the end of suffering, based on those Teachings as a foundation.
THANK YOU VERY MUCH ANDERSON, direct, tactful, near no holds barred you can make people guilty squirm, blush, turn red with guilt and really Anderson you make people want to end the interview asap the GUILT in her voice the sidestep the near request of “ could we please talk about something else “ makes her look pathetic. Thanks again Anderson.
The search continues, but this is a great start to the recovery process. Cambodia is an ancient country with rich cultural heritage. These stone statues are cultural artefacts that deserve to be returned to their rightful home and shared with the world from there and not hidden in some private collections never to be seen again.
Think of the Statue David stolen and sold for some Oligarchs garden in his Billion Dollar Mansion. The People would want David back, like we want famous Our Cities back, being priced out and only the Rich can enjoy living among our cultural icons in cities we labor in and built and beautiful places.
Khmer during the Angkor era had a wealth of skills, but unfortunately their artifacts were attracted to collectors and ended up looting. Thanks to 60 minutes of US and great teams, Khmer artifacts were returned to Cambodia.🙏
Thank you 60 Minutes and Anderson Cooper for bringing to light the travesty perpetuated against Cambodia in the looting of their national treasures. This looting was also taking place in Lao and Thailand. During this time period (2000-2015) I lived in what is referred to as the Asian Emerald Triangle, where Cambodia, Laos and Thailand intersect. These remote rural locations allowed the widespread looting, even the government militaries participated in these thefts.
Look No Further then Smithsonian for America's stash of Stolen art & History right before you head to Coopers Vanderbilt Mansion, ot the Vatican for the rest of the so called Third Worlds Wealth
America is no better then Britain lol way worse infact maybe America should give the country back to the natives that would be a good start and a good job
So if two or more people communicate in order to buy or sell something stolen, it is called conspiracy, but if a museum staff do it - even without knowing it - nothing happens to the museum. They knew those items were not legitimately gained. They're very well educated. What a crock.
Very sad Hope they are returned their heritage. The museums must return these statues to Cambodia. Shame on the museums. They should also be charged with dealing in stolen foreign antiquities. Shame on them for this ! Surey illegal ??? It is infuriating.❤🙏
Latchford who was residing in Thailand at the time of the Khmer Rouge takeover and mass genocide from 1975 to 1979, must have benefited greatly from the confusion about the antiquities. I would imagine the Cambodians must have been thankful to the Viet Army for invading in 1979 and removing the Khmer Rouge from power.
Shame on the Met, for dragging their feet to to do the morally right thing. I say the Feds should have closed down the museum, brought in a team of experts that could safely remove and transport the treasures from the Met back to Cambodia at the expense of the Met.
I’m Khmer/American and I just wanted to say thank you so much. It’s such a blessing. ❤
I may not be Cambodian (I'm Filipino) but I feel the loss and desecration done to Cambodia's looted sacred sculpture. Very heartening to see that some have found their way home ❤ thank you for the great reporting 👍
Many of these were helped looted by the Thai government sold off to private collectors. Thank you for your kind words. ❤
Thai looted those, same with the egyptians desecrated almost all pyramids.
can't say it was bad thing though.
just like Chiinese Communists, they destroyed their own culture and heritage.
if Europeans didn't brought them over to their museums, these would have been destroyed too.
Japanese general also hid a massive loot of gold somewhere in the Philippines in ww2 yet to be found till today
@@MetalizedButt gold from where? phlliipines?
After watching this program viewing antiquities in museums will never be the same.
Everything should be returned to the original owners? But they are long dead! So I guess rebury them?
@rmwtsou No, Cambodia as a country is the rightful owner, and it's not dead!!!
@@rmwtsouThe temples are standing and the ancestors alive.
Not all artifacts on display in museums are stolen. Many have been donated or purchased legitimately.
@@rmwtsouWRONG .....they're the CULTURAL HERITAGE OF THE COUNTRY OF ORIGIN
THE ... LOOTED . PARTHENON MARBLES AND THE KARIATITHA
As a Cambodia, this video gives me appreciation for the awareness to my people’s treasures. Thank you for highlighting our culture, histories and the importance of bringing our treasures back home. Hopefully more will return soon.
90% of stolen artifacts are in Thailand
🎉
They aren’t really your peoples treasures though. They were created by a completely different culture from you. You are not genetically related to those people at all.
Hopefully your living in Cambodia?
Do think of the people of Africa and their stolen people and treasures
as a Cambodian thank you for bringing back home ❤️🇰🇭🙏
Why you guys got converted if you love your history that much? Isn't it statue worshipping? Isn't it haram in your religion?
@@nikhildhasmana3740what do you imply by converting? If you don't know the history of my country don't say bs thing here
@@Jay017 I know your country history more than you do, converting means converted to islam
@@Jay017 you have the largest Hindu temple in your country, Hindu kings build large and astonishing Cities all over combodia.but tell me how many Hindus are left there at the present time?
@@rithSov I know it's a islamic country, but it used to be a Hindu nation in past, why you forgot your ancient culture and religion? Why you got converted?
This is amazing!! Cambodians endured so much. Blessing to see the artifacts are finally returning home ❤️
😢😢🙏🙏♥️
@@មឿនឯលEven more SICKENING...... CAMBODIA government is a Puppet of Them Viet Cong government that's the Truth. WHO HELP us ❓❓
This is first time I saw the army commander beside the other statue. It overwhelmingly happily to see them back together once again. Thank you to all of US team & Cambodia government for efforts to brought them back.
Thank you for working together to bring back the ancient treasure back to Cambodia and special thanks to Mr Cooper and his crew for making this documentary possible.
Cooper only showed up after "mission accomplished." Look up other programs (quite a few on youtube) where they tell the whole story from the beginning: an Asian lady in a London neighborhood picked up a copy of Architectural Digest at her local newspaper kiosk, and the search began...
Thank you cooper for bringing this interview out to the world about my country and so others can understand the art & history of Cambodia 🇰🇭 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
you have a very special and beautiful country
Cooper only showed up after "mission accomplished." Look up other programs (quite a few on youtube) where they tell the whole story from the beginning: an Asian lady in a London neighborhood picked up a copy of Architectural Digest at her local newspaper kiosk, and the search began...
I kept watching and waiting for the REAL and important story ..........The BLOODY .Khmer Rouge,,,,,,,,Please CBS , when your done patting COOPies on the back , back dive into the real HELL that is more pertinent to the season the world is in now.
Thank you, Cooper and 60 Minutes, for profiling the extraordinarily rich culture of Cambodia. Having visited that beautiful country and viewed all the wholesale destruction in its ancient sites, I feel the work of repairing the world is taking place through these efforts to return these stolen artifacts!
Check Coopers houses
Cooper only showed up after "mission accomplished." Look up other programs (quite a few on youtube) where they tell the whole story from the beginning: an Asian lady in a London neighborhood picked up a copy of Architectural Digest at her local newspaper kiosk, and the search began...
As a fellow Southeast Asian, nothing makes me feel prouder than seeing my Cambodian friends restore back their rights and ancestral heritage. This is their history and culture. Amithaba 🙏🙏🙏
Thank you friend....... Does it matter...❓😔❓. CAMBODIA government is under control of Them Viet Cong government
Thank you.
@@Honestandtruth007 go to live in vietname if you surrender so easily
I’m Cambodian ethnicities ! My parent recall the atrocities of the Genocides and the looters from neighbors contries the reason you saw statues head cut off or bodies dismembers it’s because inside those statues bodies there’s is gems , stones , diamonds, rubis hidden in there. Also France has been drilling a deep hole inside one of the Cambodian Temple in search of treasures and priceless values hidden. Cambodia are known of the lands of Gemstones 💎especially Pailin Province we’re my father was known a successful entrepreneur Business 1950-60-1970) in Gemologies before the Genocides but War (1975-1979) has left us only with bare skins. Thank you Anderson Cambodia will be forever grateful for bringing this footages into light in plight of all the souls of our ancestors. I’ll know there is still Thousands of prestige’s statues remain hidden around the world . Mostly Thailand, Vietnam , France , UK, China need to be investigated thoroughly . ❤🥹😔🙏🙏🇰🇭🇰🇭🇰🇭❤️
Does golden boy belong to Cambodia?
wow! I did not know that about the gemstones
@@sittichaiboonswangyes it does
@@sittichaiboonswangIt does. The museum itself also confirms its origin. But how did it end up in Thailand even if it was sold by the looter? It implies the museum backs looters and criminals.
@@JustMe-gs9xi Cambodia = Campuchea = "កម្ពុជា" in Khmer Pali Sanskrit means "the Golden land"
I have been to Angkor Wat and it's the most incredible place I have ever visited. Khmer culture is so beautiful and the Khmer people should have all their relics returned to them. It's really sad to see the Met and other respected art galleries and museums dragging their feet when it comes to returning stolen items that they totally knew were stolen. They should pay reparations to Cambodia for being a part of such a horrible crime. Lots of love to the Cambodian people. I can't wait to visit your beautiful country again.
Warm welcome to Cambodia 🇰🇭
Beautifully said ❤
Stories like this, and people standing up who know right from wrong, is part of the ‘shift’ that’s happening worldwide.
One love to all reading this. ❤️
I’m glad you enjoy Cambodia. Thanks for visiting us
The people who are stalling the return conducting Their Own Private Investigations sound a little bit off and you look a little bit off and my guess is they have no intention of returning the Antiquities. They're going to put it off as long as they can hoping that it will be forgotten. What happened to the law about receiving stolen property. None of these aren't pieces left the country of origin legally. Anyone in possession of foreign religious objects could be arrested.
Been to Angkor Wat. Too hot 👎🏿
The Metropolitan Museum didn't have any urgency to return any of the items because they were profiting off of them by patrons who buy tickets to their museum.
I have lived in Cambodia 13 years. I'm American Buddhist Hindu teaching English. When i saw them open the first crate, statue i almost cried. Maybe i lived in Cambodia in past life, whenever i see this kind of story it touches my heart. There is enough proof all the Met Statues should be returned now.
Why cry?
Thank you dear American❤
Thank you for covering this and bring this to light. As a Cambodian and may not live in there. I am very great full for the team to get those statues back. I hope that all the statues will return to Cambodia. Thank you Anderson Cooper for covering this.
Really thanks to the team of investigators, archaeologists ,art Scholars who are trying their best and effort about priceless artifacts from religious sites across Cambodia and bring them back home. We love you all from Cambodia🥰
As a Cambodian citizen, allow me to heartfelt thank to u Mr. Cooper for your take on our stolen artifacts and your contribution to our cultural reclaim
Thank you for doing this investigative piece and sharing the info of our Khmer Culture to the world! ❤
#Yuge!
This #60Minutes segment on the looting of #Cambodia's #SacredSculptures is absolutely one of the best CBS has ever produced. We need more of segments like this. Special Thanks #AndersonCooper and to everyone else involved, both in front of the camera and behind the scenes.
Finally, Cambodia, we salute you.
Heartwrenching. Great reporting, i hope it has an impact on their recovery efforts.
John Oliver covered this last year. It's not just Cambodia. Stolen artifacts from Egypt, Greece, India, and Africa are being kept in museums all over the world and away from their home countries. These museums aren't just negligent. They know the artifacts are stolen/lack provenance and are actively trying to hold onto them so they can continue profiting off exhibits, despite pleas to return them.
We also have to investigate thailand for looting too. There are many Cambodian ancient artifacts stolen , they should do the right thing and return them.
i am a cambodian thanks you for bring them home 🇰🇭
Thank you for sharing this information. Cambodia suffered many atrocities during the Khmer Rouge and many arts and culture was lost. Although the Khmer Rouge tried to eradicate Cambodia's culture, the truth is finally coming out. Unfortunately, during the recovery phase following the aftermath of the Khmer Rouge, Cambodians resorted to survival rather than sharing their rich culture and many of the arts were lost to neighboring countries. It has been hard for Cambodia to gain recognition for their traditional art, sculptures, foods, and clothing but Cambodia has persevered and programs with credibility and reliable sources like 60 minutes will help Cambodia regain some of their historical artifacts. Recently, I have noticed many TH-cam channels attacking Cambodia for trying to regain their traditions and the problem with those channels is that they play videos that are biased and have unreliable resources. Thank you again 60 minutes for showing the truth on how looters stole from the temples and how many ancient sculptures belong to Cambodia.
👏This news is great news for the people of Cambodia, but not for their government (the corruption Gov). I am grateful to the 60 Minutes CBS news crew for capturing these documents and returning Ancient Khmer artifacts to Cambodia.🙏 Thanks to the Met Museum in NY/US have released and returned those looted Khmer artifacts to their home locations (Cambodia).
🙏Your excellent report is greatly appreciated.🙏
Did the Met return ALL of them?
Ha? They did ot return all of them tanga
Cambodia was one step of the most important Empires.
Their knowledge of Metallurgy would astound the World today.
They were Alchemists who even today can not be matched.
Anything the Met bought or received from Douglas should be returned. Anything in a museum that was never truthfully acquired by the country of origin should be returned.
Those looted sculptures are everywhere. If Cambodia wants them back, they can start with having Singapore return the contents of the Asian civilization museum to them. Then they can hit up the Asian art museum in San Francisco.
Are they the real ones or replicas? I’m in San Francisco and Sotheby’s operates here too, so it’s very possible the ones you noticed at the Asian Art Museum are from Cambodia.
Incredible story. The Met showed the arrogance that many museums feel they (and their benefactors) are privileged to. Getty here in LA is finally returning antiquities. I do have a bit of understanding that having these in museums to show the public does provide education. But, even worse is that these artifacts, along with many more from countries and cultures around the world, are sitting in wealthy homes never to be seen again. I do appreciate the donation back by the Lindemanns, but more holders should follow their lead.
i agree that having pieces in museums do provide education and opportunity to learn very much. if things were different, it would be possible for Cambodia to Willingly allow a few pieces. But these were stolen, they have to be returned. It wouldn't be quite the same,, but they could do replica's,, (if the Cambodian people were accepting of that. But Reality is,,, they don't belong to us, the US, at all.
We have the technology to make perfect 3D copies. Why are they being such asshats?
You think the people that have these crazy old crap have them insured? Can you insure illegal old crap ?
@JustMe-gs9xi That's like saying the Mona Lisa doesn't belong in France
@@Pius-XI It doesn't. It belongs in Italy, should have NEVER gone to France.
Cambodia is such a nice country, its culture is so unique and beautiful, and Ankor Wat was simply spectacular, even with all the destruction. Can't imagine how it must have looked like before it got ruined and looted. The country went through really turbulent times, to say the least, I hope it only gets better from here on. Can't forget those children's innocent eyes...
"the country went through" it STILL is going through a lot of sh!t, like corruption
@@dannnsss8034their comment was actually pretty decent and you had to take something and turn it into something negative for no reason at all.
@@dannnsss8034 Corruption and injustice exist in every country by varying degrees. Compared to what happened in Cambodia in the past, like mass killings of civilians as you can see in this clip , Cambodia is not in as bad shape as it used to be. The damages it had to bear over the years were so deep that you can feel that people are still recovering when you go there. Skeletons, mines, mass killing and torture sites are everywhere, I couldn't even make it to killing field because I felt so nauseated visiting a few sites first. The country deserves to get better although it will take time.
It's called a reality check. Hun Sen was Khmer Rouge. @@-xxMelissaxx-
@@-xxMelissaxx- The comment was naive. Imagine if the US were to force foreigners to register with the police every time they changed addresses, or if foreigners had to pay 5x more for a license or to register a vehicle... the outcry of racism would be earth shattering, yet this is SOP for Cambodia, and the developing world on the whole.
If the police find a stolen car and return the car to the owner, the buyer does not get any of his money back.
Why is art treated differently?
It isn’t.
Wow. What a question?
I have visited and toured those looted priceless ancient gods and Khmer ancestors in ancient ruins from Angkor Wat to many sites around the areas. It is truly devastating to see greed among humanity. When you are down on your luck, you get more kicking and beating. 😢 Thank you for airing the documentary.
I’m glad this report emphasized that these pieces are not “art”; that is, objects created only to be looked at - but are sacred to the people from which they originated.
In the 1970s, I was in college doing a minor in art history. The university was starting a program in art appraisal. I took a couple of the first classes offered. Above all, they emphasized the importance of provenance and diligent research before valuing any piece being sold as art. The issue of theft and black market dealing was well acknowledged.
Even then, when visiting museums and galleries, I began to feel uneasy in the presence of “cultural artifacts” sitting behind glass and in pristine and sterile buildings. Surely, I felt, this wasn’t where they were intended to be: gawked at by the curious and subjected to cold analysis.
My life went in a different direction, but watching this, it’s astounding to me that while I was learning about investigating provenance decades ago, the Met and other top museums were knowingly acquiring stolen art. A dirty business full of high-status people who can’t fill their lives with enough stuff to fill the emptiness inside themselves. Hungry ghosts. Shame on them.
Yes! Not Art!
When I was a kid, I was ignorant of the fact that some of the cultural artifacts I was seeing was probably stolen or went into shady dealings before landing in the museum, so I could marvel and have fun. Now knowing most musuems don't care about the integrity acquiring a cultural artifact, it makes me uneasy.
I can only imagine how he had his ways with those Asian male bodybuilders.
LMAO I was thinking the same thing!@@mikewhocheeseharry5292
Thank you Anderson, this is incredibly important and valuable journalism. And your pronunciation of the Angkor Wat is admirable.
I am so not surprised that it's a British person who stole ancient artifacts as they have been doing that for centuries with other countries as well. I'm happy that some artifacts returned home to Cambodia. As much as I love museums, I hate it at the same time when they refuse to return stolen goods. Just watching that lady being uncomfortable just proves how guilty and negligent they are willing to be when it comes to other countries' stolen goods. This should not be a case of 'Finders Keepers' here. As a Cambodian-American I do wish that more of these statues return home, for now, it's a good start.
You are talking rubbish. People have been selling their own history for centuries. British people loved history and culture and bought many objects, saving them for the world. Looting is part of all our histories. All nations have done good and bad things. Most antiquities were stolen and then sold by their own people.
@@adamslarke5483 Copium.
As an artist, this brought me to tears.
Thank you so very much 60 minutes, my country Cambodia, my culture, history & and wonderful amazing art 🙏🙏🙏💕🇰🇭💕
Thank you! Great journalism
You are the best kind of troll. No one is any the wiser.
As Cambodian .. thank you so much for the video. We lost a lot and still in pain for our culture .
The british also has Cambodian artifacts. When thailand invade Cambodia they stole there artifacts, then the burmese stole them from Thailand and the british looted it from the burmese. The british went under the pretenses of being merchants but they looted everything they found of value including alot historical artifacts. Alot of stuff is i the british warehouse of loot also know has the british national museum
Al long as they take good care of them and exhibit them to the world, I have no problem with that.
Its the millionaires i have most problems with. They buy & the items are never seen again.* Bank vaults appear to be the final destination for alot of art. Greed is the root of all evil. Humans dont seem to be able to conquer said vice.
* unless they show off in glossies (magazines)
@@jumpiam8477it's was a period before thailand became the Ayutthaya kingdom, i think its the era you mentioned. There is a writer that wrote about it. The khmer wasn't prepared to fight cos they didn't have proper attire so they were defeat and winners of the war took alot of there valubles
@jumppiam8477 I hope you reeducate yourself on the history of Southeast Asia before you claimed that Cambodia was a part of Thailand. Khmer empire stood the test of time with all of the artifacts and evidence including those temples that stood till this day in Thailand, Vietnam and Laos. They are proofs that we lost both our territories and ancient artifacts to the neighboring countries that now claim the ownership. In all honesty, there are also many khmers in thailand, laos and vietnam too that never left their homes even after the war was lost and we should instead take care of one another given that we share pretty much the same blood, culture and tradition.
@@Boopdol If you're Cambodian, then I don't have anything to say. Because they tried very hard to claim that everything was their. Although Thai and Cambodian language are completely difference. The root is same, but how people use it and develop it to thier own. That's all that matters. The Khmer Empire doesn't mean only Cambodia. It called all people in that region back then just like Roman Empire. Italian need to claim every artifacts in that region were thier? Part of Thailand we lost during "The territorial losses of Thailand". Now is part of Cambodia. Am I wrong?
Amazing that the looted private collection decades later appeared in Architectural Digest resulting in the statues being returned to Cambodia.
This was a good segment. A lot of artifacts need to return back, not only from Cambodia but almost all of them.
Stealing one's culture, replacing with your own and then displaying it for your own people is such a sinister thing to do.
A lot are stolen by Thai /siamese also
@@dennisn4871Indeed ! Thai know very well that Pailin soils underneath it’s worth of gems so they bring their own machinery to imported Cambodia soil in exchange for road reconstruction. The Govn. Cambodia are so blind when it happen. Pailin natural resource it’s scarce and it’s not the same anymore. 😢❤🇰🇭🙏
💯 agreed on Pailin. My family used to live there.
As the Cambodian people we believe one day our gods and souls of our ancestors will return home.
We appreciate all the people who help for the statues return back to Cambodia.
Home sweet home Cambodia, love, peaceful and harmony.
I love and thankful to my country Cambodia.
Cambodian people are so sweet and lovely 🙏🙏🙏💖💖💖🍀🍀🍀🌹🌹🌹🇰🇭
Isn't Angkor Wat owned by an individual? Sold by the Kingdom of Cambodia, It no longer belongs to the People of Cambodia and receive no benefit from the Now $40 for a single day's access.
Looks like much of Cambodia's treasures were sold by people who control Cambodia.
Remember the French did their part with "repairs" that caused damage.
@@josephlarrybradley508
(Isn't Angkor wat own by individual?)
Angkor wat is not owned by individual!
Every temple or museum in the world is have to buy tickets too, some countries even their own people have to pay too! like in France .
Just look at Louvre Museum, french people had to buy tickets too.
Did the people get benefits from?
Angkor wat Cambodian people visit free.
I am not here to judge or criticise anybody that's what happens in the past.
I am just happy that Cambodia received back some statues.
I appreciate french that helps to repair too.🙏
If we are go through and search more to the history, always had people did bad things, no matter in which country.
I wish for peace and love.
I appreciate your comment 🙏🇰🇭💖
@josephlarrybradley508 No, it's owned by the Kingdom of Cambodia. Proceeds from visiting the temple goes to caring many other temples along with Ankgor. These ancient temples need constant maintenance and care.
I believe the British "art dealer" Douglas Latchford knew full well that what he was doing was illegal but he just didn't care. And with his level of scholarship and access, was able to intentionally deceive many unsuspecting millionaires, billionaires, and elite museums around the world. He hired and exploited the former child soldiers of Cambodia and turned them into looters for his own gain -- having paid them what was barely enough to buy rice for a few days, while he went on to garner millions off of their backs. What also astonishes me is how he, as one man, was able to arguably match (or possibly exceed) the levels of theft and ill-gotten gain as that of the Nazis, as they went about violently looting and pillaging the art and jewels of European nations and Jewish families during WWII.
He def knew, and so did the museums, millionaires and billionaires. Everyone knew
I wonder how he got it into thailand without a bribe.Maybe he has some connections or knows someone who can help him bypass the usual procedures. Thailand is notorious for its corruption, so it wouldn't be surprising if a bribe was involved.
@@mrtee3477 he bribed everyone, and had a well-connected Thai wife. His daughter who gave his (known, traceable) personal collection back is Thai
Slow your roll there buddy, not even in the same solar system as the nazis, they hit all of Europe which has about 10,000x’s the loot we’re talking about here
😍😍😍I'm a Cambodian citizen living in the U.S. Thank you Anderson Cooper for covering this story. I love 60 Minutes!
As an American, I am deeply ashamed to say that after the Khmer Rouge was toppled in 1979 by Vietnam which then installed a new government headed by Hun Sen, the Reagan Administration formally announced that the United States continued to recognize the Khmer Rouge as the "legitimate government of Kampuchea (as Cambodia was called in the early 1980s) even though the Khmer Rouge committed the worst Holocaust since the end of WWII. The excuse given by Reagan was that the United States did not want to "lend legitimacy" to what he called a "Vietnamese puppet government" even though Vietnam brought stability to the country and ended the mass killings.
Thanks for your valuable comment.
@@yvonneplant9434 You are most welcome and Happy Holidays!
@@yvonneplant9434 of course, it’s a one of the many crimes of the US government. America’s foreign policy has been a disaster. Ronald Reagan is no hero. He’s an embarrassment of disgrace to humanity as he should be to the US American conservatives and nationalist, and have a few idols they can depend on, so they use him.
@@georgfriedrichhandel4390 old REAGAN had the mujhadeen TALIBAN VISITING HIM IN THE WHITE HOUSE YRS AGO FOR TEA I GUESS imagine such an ACTOR was president of ÙSA a COWBOY.
I wonder are AMERICANS totally unaware of their BOMBs on Cambodia.
Cambodia isn't the only country that got looted. The Forbidden City in Beijing remains grand on the exterior, but empty in the interior. Most of the objects there are now in museums in NYC, London, and Paris, in addition to Taipei.
This is not an isolated case. The French, among others, looted as well. I've been to Cambodia numerous times. Once when I was on a flight back to Bangkok, there was a French national sitting across from me guarding a large covered basket. There was a sitting deity in the basket. He had "diplomatic immunity". Stolen art in museums is rampant. And then there's the Avery Brundage collection in the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco.
Wow. Thanks for sharing that
She explained it perfectly 150 years ago these cultures had declined into absolute poverty and we’re selling off all their statues and cultural items. Anyways, it is much better that they were preserved and put on display for the world to see and now that you people can actually appreciate your own culture now You can start having your own museums and make sure that you don’t ruin these statues and all the damn books they wrote about them for you
@@stephen9906 oh gee, what a favor.
@@stephen9906selling off? I didn't hear that. I heard looting.
There's many in Chicago Museum too. We have our own history there hiding in their basement. (Philippine)
This kind of activity is a blatant disrespect for the earths Indigenous Peoples.
Cambodian-Americans working to uplift our community, preserve our culture, and light others along the way who experience displacement due to the legacy of civil war and genocide--- this is a step forward to giving us the time, people, and history that we lost back. Sadhu, sadhu, sadhu🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
have you heard of "Cee dub"..it's short for "CWA=Cambodians with Attitude"..a gang in LA where they dress like black dudes (it's pretty funny)
I just can't imagine thinking in terms of destroying a piece of art... It's just mind boggling.
Trump's MAGAs will absolutely try if he gets power again.
Nazis either stole great art or destroyed it.
Nor stealing a country's sacred antiquities
@@gmamose9152 yes. It's just appalling to think that way.
Priceless, irreplaceable art that were created thousands of years ago
Too many smuggling items are stolen from hindu temples across the world. I wish to inform all humanity all status are alive irrespective of religion and knows everything. Thank you Sir for this eye opener. May God bless you and your family
As a Southeast Asian, I’ve always felt sad that I can’t see these sacred objects in my home country. I love visiting museums and whenever I see these artifacts, I wonder which ones came from there and which ones were made by the artisans so long ago. There true history, their skills, their stories might never be known and it’s sad that we can’t say ‘look at the beauty that our people created’ in the land that they were birthed.
Same is the story of India.
Almost all 40000+ temples in North India were destroyed by the invaders. They could not reach South India easily so the temple were intact... But unfortunately in last couple of hundred years many of these temples were looted and found its way to museums and private collectors in the West. The MO is same... The upper part is severed from the feet... That's why you don't see the feet of many of these statues when displayed in museums.
You need to get out more
@@hnewc1919 thanks for giving a live demo of how a thief/plunderer justifies his actions to himself.
I see what you are saying, but may I offer another perspective? What if we consider that the creations are so beautiful, remarkable, and valuable that people wanted to share them with their friends and family back home. Perhaps it would be better to say "look at the beauty that our people created" in their homeland which they were created, but it is also indicative of how special the their creations are because people wanted to transport them to the opposite side of the earth to share them. I'm not endorsing these actions, I just want to consider some positives.
@@justinzaporzan9010Smart and Good person just don't Like your thinking. That's Business thinking
It’s disgusting to think how little these greedy looters care about the culture of fellow humans
Is there not a sense of irony that the looters saved these art pieces. What would Pol Pot have done with them?
The looters themselves aren't getting much for stealing, it's the art collectors who view art as investment.
in time of genocide, sometimes people do things they regretful later, in order to feed their family/or save their lives. if u were in their situation, would u sacrifice ur life or family’s life for going against the murderous regime? honestly, u can’t know unless that situation happens.
Let it be art pieces from Europe though.
Am i correct? Is this a crazy historical moment having a Vanderbilt sitting in the M.E.T. questioning them about stolen artifacts? Wow, Anderson! Way to go!
Great segment!
it was so rewarding experience watching it. As a Hindu, i can relate the sentiments of Cambodian people, these antiquities are worth more than of religious values. They should be where they endemically, ethnically belongs to. Thanks for this Upload🙏
Latchford's family living a rich life on the blood of Cambodians. Can you imagine the bank account that he left his friends and family?
Can you imagine he probably low-ball paid and did to the Asian men bodybuilders?
What an amazing Karma story. I love the fact that free donated items to the MET were freely given back.......after 4 years of guilt.
Thank you 60 minutes for covering of Ankor History!
All stolen artifacts should be returned world wide
i don't see why anyone would want to hold onto something like this after knowing this story. Knowing that they believe they are living souls. Spirits or souls just stay haunting until they're returned back.
The representative from the Met being interviewed. She was saying much more with her body language, then with her words.
Cooper definitely had her on the hot seat. Did you notice, she kept looking to her right...I bet a Met lawyer was standing there.
She looked like a hostage forced to make a video statement, with a gunman standing off camera.@@Warriorintraining57
Yeah, I almost feel sorry for her. She didn't realize Anderson Cooper could be this tough.😅😮
@@sukikom2259
My daughter works in a major museum.
I sent her this video.
She said, the situation isn't as black and white as the story implies.
There is a gray area were museums are concerned.
Let me eliminate the "gray" areas of this issue...
Corruption is an all too common human trait. Corruption and scandal is found in the peoples that we trust. That includes governments, religions, law enforcement, in everyones family tree. If you look in the mirror, chances are you're looking at someone who at some time did something corrupt. The list goes on. Should we not include to the list of corruption museum administrations? @@Warriorintraining57
Thanks everyone who involved in this restoration project.
Awesome job to Brad and the whole team for your hard work and dedication!
No mention of the Cleveland Museum Of Art returning a long lost statue (taken by the French & left as a step stone in a Paris garden before CMA got it) - it helped fixed a badly botched restoration of the original site, and created an amazing 3D exhibit of the temple it came from. The CMA has been so open and sensitive to the Cambodian people's concerns that the Cambodian government has entered into a partnership with the Cleveland Museum of Art as a token of gratitude.
Every piece of artifacts are precious to Cambodian people
I've always wanted to go to the Met before. But after seeing this, I think I'll pass. I think if there's a loud enough public uproar, like boycotting the museum, Met might finally give up all their stolen pieces.
The lady from the Met couldnt even face Anderson, let alone make eye contact with him, when she said no one had investigated Latchford’s other donations 🙄
I read an article in The NY Times about a man who essentially created a stolen art/antique/heirloom that prosecuted globally. It was absolutely fascinating the depth it went into. It was completely random and not something I would normally read, but once I started it I could not put it down. Amazing investigative journalism.
Hey, can you tell me the name of that article please?
@@twobucca I’m gonna look for it and find it. It was incredibly well done. Give me a few days and let me dig into it. It was such a random read, it’s from like 5-6 years ago I believe
Remarkable truly speechless. So glad they are reunited with their home
Thank you so much from Cambodia
as Cambodain , this is give me (Gush)goose bumps. so happy
The phrase is ‘goose bumps’- but I like yours much better! Gush bumps! Bless you and your Cambodian heritage ❤❤
thax correct it@@JulithaRyan
I am elated that Cambodia is having its treasures returned. I also know that many nations, other than the U.S., are also in possession of the antiquities from a great number of nations, including Cambodia. They should all be returned.
All these items should be returned and all of these people dealing in stolen goods should be held accountable. The fact that they are all rich and powerful should make no difference. Well done Anderson.
It’s the Cambodian government and Anderson Cooper wouldn’t be let out of the country if he reported an actual story
@@m3t3ryikes. This statement set another level of human society. Not sure how much you know about this country? And if you even watched and listened to this interview from start to finished?.
@@m3t3rwhat’s the actual story 😮
No remorse no regrets omg, people please stop saying you didn’t do anything wrong. How can you guys live doing bad and take it down with your grave wow.
These are all magnificent works of art as well as sacred representations. I'd seen TV documentaries decades ago about the temple lootings and the local police involvement in these crimes. I am so heartened that these pieces are making their way home to the Cambodian people. It is ironic that so many present-day statues of Buddha heads (without the body or at least the *heart* area: "body, speech & mind/heart"!) are created to copy the stolen statue heads from Cambodia - this shows how widespread these stolen items had become around the world - Buddha *heads* have sadly become iconic!
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Thank you, ❤ @@bebelovestoread
@@himalayan1797
Yes, but there were also Buddhist temples that were looted, especially those from the time of Jayavarman VII (12th-13th c), who built many Buddhist temples in Khmer/Cambodia. Buddhism has existed in Cambodia since the 5th century. A great loss. Yes, the knowledge of karma is important in Buddhism, too. Lots of karma ripening in nations at this time.
@@himalayan1797 Yes, I've had the privilege to study with Tibetan Rinpoches in Australia, being a practising Buddhist. I also have an extensive library of Sutras, Tantras, and of course the Commentaries. Big area of study for me! 🙏
@@himalayan1797
Vishnu is a Hindu Deity. I’m a Buddhist. Siddhartha Gautama who became a Buddha in his lifetime, studied first with Vedanta Brahmins before his 6-year meditation trial in the forest. He came to his own understanding about Reality and the end of suffering, based on those Teachings as a foundation.
My love homeland, Cambodia ❤
THANK YOU VERY MUCH ANDERSON, direct, tactful, near no holds barred you can make people guilty squirm, blush, turn red with guilt and really Anderson you make people want to end the interview asap the GUILT in her voice the sidestep the near request of “ could we please talk about something else “ makes her look pathetic. Thanks again Anderson.
she was looking at someone off camera, they needed them in Hot Seat too
Thank you for the program viewing antiquities, very important to Cambodia country .
The Thai bodybuilders says it all LMAO!
Hell yeah, let’s go Cambodia. I can’t wait to go back.
"Protecting antiquities" says the Met's official. Right! They're all heart.
The search continues, but this is a great start to the recovery process. Cambodia is an ancient country with rich cultural heritage. These stone statues are cultural artefacts that deserve to be returned to their rightful home and shared with the world from there and not hidden in some private collections never to be seen again.
Think of the Statue David stolen and sold for some Oligarchs garden in his Billion Dollar Mansion. The People would want David back, like we want famous Our Cities back, being priced out and only the Rich can enjoy living among our cultural icons in cities we labor in and built and beautiful places.
Khmer during the Angkor era had a wealth of skills, but unfortunately their artifacts were attracted to collectors and ended up looting. Thanks to 60 minutes of US and great teams, Khmer artifacts were returned to Cambodia.🙏
Thank you 60 Minutes and Anderson Cooper for bringing to light the travesty perpetuated against Cambodia in the looting of their national treasures. This looting was also taking place in Lao and Thailand. During this time period (2000-2015) I lived in what is referred to as the Asian Emerald Triangle, where Cambodia, Laos and Thailand intersect. These remote rural locations allowed the widespread looting, even the government militaries participated in these thefts.
Good Job to the American government for helping.
Look No Further then Smithsonian for America's stash of Stolen art & History right before you head to Coopers Vanderbilt Mansion, ot the Vatican for the rest of the so called Third Worlds Wealth
America is no better then Britain lol way worse infact maybe America should give the country back to the natives that would be a good start and a good job
America France Britain are probably the biggest culprits of looting
Well, it's the least they can do, given how they had a hand in the downfall of the country in the 1970s
first time thats ever been said .
It's a amazing these artifacts are returning home! It's crazy how badly the looter's damaged them, it is so disgusting.
So if two or more people communicate in order to buy or sell something stolen, it is called conspiracy, but if a museum staff do it - even without knowing it - nothing happens to the museum. They knew those items were not legitimately gained. They're very well educated. What a crock.
Thank you for all the hard work of Cambodia Cultural Government and thank you for returning our Gods Sculptures. 🙏🙏🙏
Most great art is stored in storage lockers from all over the world.
Unless they are viewed and enjoyed by thousands of people, they are nothing in a storage locker.
Very sad
Hope they are returned their heritage. The museums must return these statues to Cambodia. Shame on the museums. They should also be charged with dealing in stolen foreign antiquities. Shame on them for this ! Surey illegal ??? It is infuriating.❤🙏
Latchford who was residing in Thailand at the time of the Khmer Rouge takeover and mass genocide from 1975 to 1979, must have benefited greatly from the confusion about the antiquities. I would imagine the Cambodians must have been thankful to the Viet Army for invading in 1979 and removing the Khmer Rouge from power.
This Hurts my core watching this, Historical Looting GRINDS MY GEARS. Especially Since I Lean Buddha also this double hits me...
Shame on the Met, for dragging their feet to to do the morally right thing. I say the Feds should have closed down the museum, brought in a team of experts that could safely remove and transport the treasures from the Met back to Cambodia at the expense of the Met.
What a shame, human greed destroys Everything
🙏🙏 thank you, thank you! ❤❤
She is looking at someone off camera. They need to get them on camera too
Now that is what I call extraordinary heroism! Props to all that's involved! 👏👏👏🙏💐
It’s crazy that the Thai people say that they are the original owners of Ankor Wat