KATHMANDU, DECEMBER 6
The Rubin Museum of Art has returned a circa 16th-century mask of the deity Bhairava to Nepal after receiving new evidence concerning its provenance. The large mask displays iconographic features of Bhairava such as the third eye, the crown decorated with skulls and crawling snakes, and blazing red hair with a crescent moon. The back of the mask is concave to hold a round earthen pot.
According to the statement issued by the Rubin Museum, The return ceremony took place at the Manhattan District Attorney's office on December 4, 2023, and included three additional works from other collections. Acting Consul General Bishnu Prasad Gautam received the object on behalf of the Government of Nepal.
In September 2022, social media posts and news coverage suggested the mask was stolen from a site in Dolakha in the 1990s. Per the Museum's process, the Rubin immediately placed the work under review with its Collections team as well as independent researchers. Public signage was also placed in the galleries acknowledging this process, the Rubin Museum said.
"Additionally, the Rubin reached out to the Consulate General of Nepal in New York to request support from the Government of Nepal in locating additional information pertaining to the circumstances and documentation of the reported theft."
In March 2023, the Manhattan District Attorney's office shared with the Rubin corroborating evidence that the mask was stolen from a site in Dolakha in March 1994. Upon review of this documentation, the Rubin deaccessioned the work, and on March 16, 2023, voluntarily agreed to turn the work over to the DA's office to facilitate the return to its lawful owner, it added.
"The Rubin acquired the mask in 2005, and there was no evidence of theft or unlawful removal from Nepal at the time of acquisition until evidence was provided by the Manhattan District Attorney's office. Prior to the Rubin's acquisition, the work had been transacted on the art market, including a public auction at Sotheby's in 1996."
"While we have treasured this exceptional mask and enjoyed sharing it with visitors in our galleries since 2005 as well as through several scholarly publications, the evidence presented is clear, as is our decision to return the work to Nepal. We're deeply sorry for the loss its removal has caused community members in Dolakha. We hope the work can return to its former location, yet also understand that the return will not remedy the wrongs that were done," states Jorrit Britschgi, Executive Director of the Rubin Museum of Art. "The Rubin is a responsible actor and carefully considers any claims regarding works in our collection, most recently demonstrated in spring 2022 with the return of two objects to Nepal-one of which resulted in a partnership with the Itumbaha monastery in Kathmandu to support its effort of establishing an onsite museum for the study and display of their collection, which opened this past summer. Such projects are a reflection of our commitment to the Himalayan region and its cultural heritage."
The Rubin is opposed to looting and believes that collecting activities should adhere to the highest standards of ethical and professional practice. If the Rubin learns, through its own research or by another party, that objects in its collection are claimed to have been stolen, looted, or illegally excavated, the Rubin immediately addresses these claims carefully and seriously and works collaboratively with the relevant authorities in the United States and the Himalayan region, the musuem stated.
The Rubin Museum of Art in Chelsea, New York City, explores and celebrates Himalayan art, cultures, and ideas across history and into the present.
