Cambodia Announces Return of 74 Khmer Artefacts Linked to Douglas Latchford

PHNOM PENH, Feb 27, 2026 (KPT) – Cambodia’s Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts has announced the repatriation of 74 Khmer artefacts once held by the late British collector Douglas Latchford.

The ministry said the objects were returned under a 2020 agreement with the Latchford family, following earlier handovers in 2021 and 2023.

Spanning from the pre-Angkorian era to the height of the Angkor Empire, the collection includes sandstone and bronze sculptures, ritual objects, and rare examples of early Khmer iconography.

Among the highlights are two ninth century sandstone figures from Phnom Kulen, described as a “divine couple” from the reign of Jayavarman II. The female figure is considered a rare specimen of the Kulen style.

Other notable pieces include a sandstone head of Brahma, a yaksha statue from Koh Ker, and a bronze sculpture in the Bakheng style.

The ministry said the return was part of ongoing efforts to recover cultural heritage lost during decades of conflict.

It expressed gratitude to Senate President Hun Sen, Prime Minister Hun Manet, UK authorities, and private sponsors for their support.

Cambodia has stepped up campaigns to reclaim looted antiquities from collectors and institutions worldwide, saying each repatriation helps restore cultural identity and heal historical wounds.