California’s Norton Simon Museum to return 10th-century statue to Cambodia

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FILE - This Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2013 file photo shows Cambodia\'s statue of a temple wrestler, titled Bhima, is on display at the Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena, Calif. The 10th-century sandstone statue will return to its place of origin in Cambodia following discussions and agreements with Cambodian state officials, the museum announced Tuesday, May 6, 2014. The statue represents Bhima, a popular heroic figure from the Hindu epic, "The Mahabharata." The museum has carefully preserved it for nearly four decades, according to the release. The Bhima is considered a work of art and cultural relic for the Cambodian community. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, File)

PASADENA, Calif. – A California museum says it has reached an agreement to return a 10th-century statue known as the “Temple Wrestler” to Cambodia.

The announcement was made Wednesday by the Norton Simon Museum and Norton Simon Art Foundation in Pasadena, where the statue has been on display for nearly four decades.

The sandstone work depicts Bhima, a heroic figure in the Hindu epic Mahabharata.

A statement from the museum characterizes the return as a gift and a gesture of friendship in response to a unique request by top officials to help rebuild Cambodia’s “soul” as a nation.

Arrangements for the return will be announced at a later date.

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