Planet Money
The case of the stolen masks
Apr 26, 2024
Yagya Kumar Pradhan, a Hindu priest from Nepal, shares the heartbreaking story of his family’s sacred Bhairav masks, stolen thirty years ago. He reveals how amateur art detectives brought them back, shedding light on modern art theft and recovery efforts. The conversation dives deep into the challenges of reclaiming stolen artifacts and how art auctions can perpetuate cultural theft. The emotional return of the masks highlights their significance to the community, sparking a discussion on the responsibilities of museums and the legacy of colonialism.
18:56
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Quick takeaways
- The podcast showcases the efforts of amateur art detectives in tracing stolen artifacts across borders and utilizing modern tools for cultural restitution.
- The case of the stolen masks prompts a reflection on the art world's ethical challenges and encourages a shift towards transparency and accountability in cultural heritage preservation.
Deep dives
The 30-Year Journey of Stolen Masks
Yaga Kumar Pradhan, a Hindu priest from Nepal, discovered that his family's sacred By-rov masks had been stolen. These ornate masks, with intricate details and religious significance, had been in the family for over 500 years. Despite assuming the masks were lost forever, a network of amateur art detectives, including Aaron Thompson, helped trace them across continents to museums like the Rubin Museum of Art. Through modern technology and legal strategies, the masks were identified, leading to a complex investigation and the masks' eventual return to Nepal.
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