Archaeology Australia Repatriates Ancient Statues to China
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- •Australia returned two Northern Song Dynasty statues to China on October 29, 2026.
- •The statues were taken from imperial mausoleums and were acquired by Australia in 1995.
- •This repatriation is part of a broader effort to protect cultural heritage and strengthen ties between Australia and China.
On October 29, 2026, Australia returned two Northern Song Dynasty head statues to China in a ceremony at the National Gallery of Australia. The statues, depicting a civil and a military official, were taken from imperial mausoleums near Kaifeng. The return was initiated by a request from China's National Cultural Heritage Administration in 2025. Chinese Ambassador Liu Jinsong emphasized that this repatriation marks a new beginning for research and conservation efforts. The statues had been part of the Australian gallery's collection since 1995. This event follows Australia's previous return of five relics to China in 2023, highlighting ongoing efforts to protect cultural heritage.
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