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Nepal: Stolen 16th-Century Bhairava Masks Return Home To Dolakha After Three Decades

The sacred 16th-century Bhairava masks are carried in a procession as they depart the National Museum of Nepal in Chhauni, Kathmandu, on June 18, 2026, en route to their original shrine in Dolakha after more than three decades abroad. The masks were stolen in March 1994 and later trafficked internationally before entering museum circulation in the United States. Following provenance research and legal coordination between Nepali authorities and the Manhattan District Attorney's Office, the masks were formally returned and repatriated to Nepal in December 2023. Their return is part of ongoing efforts to restore stolen cultural heritage to its place of origin. (Photo by Safal Prakash Shrestha/NurPhoto)

Photo ID	#13846673
Date Taken	18 June 2023
Location	N/A
Photographer	Safal Prakash Shrestha/NurPhoto
Category	Human Interest
Copyright	© 2026 NurPhoto - Safal Prakash Shrestha/NurPhoto

Two People Waist Up Bhairava masks procession National Museum of Nepal Chhauni Kathmandu June 18 2026 Dolakha stolen March 1994 trafficked museum circulation United States provenance research legal coordination Nepali authorities Manhattan District Attorney's Office repatriated December 2023 cultural heritage sacred objects Safal Prakash Shrestha