Two more stolen idols traced in US, France

BY   A STAFF REPORTER, Kathmandu, Jan. 28: The 18th century stone sculpture of serpent-hooded Ganesha, stolen in the 1980s-90s from a Vishnu Temple in Sanga, Bhaktapur, was identified from Asia Week, New York, 2011, exhibited by Leiko Coyle, New York, USA.   

The photograph was taken by Art Historian Lain Singh Bangdel, which was published in his book, “Inventory of Stone Sculptures of the Kathmandu Valley, 1995 AD.

It was also published by art scholar Ulrich Von Schroeder in his book, “Nepalese Stone Sculptures, volume-1, Hindu”. Leiko Coyle exhibited this sculpture in Asia week, New York. Two serpent-hooded Ganesha were stolen from the same Vishnu Temple. 

Similarly, another 17th century Terracotta Beer Jar with Bhairava face (Hathadyo), stolen from Kilagal, Kathmandu, has been located in the collection of Muse Asiatica, Biarritz, France. 

The photograph was taken during the Indra Jatra Festival by Judith Conan Chase (Founder/Director of Living Traditions Museum, Nepal) and was published in her book, “Living Traditions of Nepal: The Beauty of Purposeful Living”, 2019.

The purpose of such vessels is to share rice beer as Prasad through the Bhairava’s mouth to the devotees during the festivals. A replica has been established for the continuation of the rituals, on the original base which still survives.