Smithsonian museum to return three bronze sculptures to India

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art is returning three sculptures to India, including “Shiva Nataraja" (Chola period, ca. 990), “Somaskanda" (Chola period, 12th century) and “Saint Sundarar with Paravai" (Vijayanagar period, 16th century). The decision follows an extensive provenance investigation carried out by the museum, according to an official press release issued on Thursday.

All three sculptures are examples of South India’s celebrated bronze art tradition. All three were originally sacred temple objects, traditionally used in religious processions.

While all three sculptures will be returned to India, the Indian government has agreed to place the “Shiva Nataraja" on long-term loan with the museum. It will continue to be displayed as part of the exhibition The Art of Knowing in South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Himalayas. The museum said this will help it openly present the full history of the object, including its removal and return.