The Ashmolean Museum in Oxford is set to return a 16th-century bronze statue of Saint Tirumankai Alvar to India, following investigations into its provenance. Acquired in 1967, the statue highlights ongoing efforts to address cultural heritage issues linked to artifacts taken from their original locations.

Background of the Statue

The 57.5cm tall bronze figure of the South Indian Hindu saint was purchased from a private collector, Dr. J R Belmont, who passed away in 1981. The details of how the statue came into his collection remain unclear. The acquisition occurred in good faith, with the museum displaying the statue until inquiries regarding its origins were raised.

In November 2019, a French scholar alerted the University of Oxford regarding the statue’s uncertain provenance, referencing a photograph taken in 1957 at the Soundarrajaperumal temple in Thadikombu, Tamil Nadu. This prompted the Ashmolean Museum to initiate an investigation into the statue’s history and ownership.

Formal Claim for Return

On December 16, 2019, the museum communicated with the Indian High Commission, expressing willingness to learn more and discuss the statue’s potential return. Subsequently, on February 11, 2020, a police report was submitted by an executive officer from the temple, confirming that a modern replica had replaced the original bronze statue. A formal claim for the bronze’s return was made by the Indian High Commissioner on March 3, 2020, following these findings.

The Archaeological Survey of India had requested a metal analysis of the bronze statue to assist in establishing its provenance. The museum conducted this analysis and included the findings in their ongoing investigation. Dr. Xa Sturgis, the Director of the Ashmolean, expressed gratitude towards Indian authorities and scholars for their assistance, reinforcing the museum’s commitment to ethical practices regarding cultural collections.

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