The Rubin Museum has returned a circa 16th century mask of the deity Bhairava to Nepal after receiving new evidence concerning its provenance. 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 Mr. 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.
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.
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.
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