Cleveland museum returns 10th-century statue to Cambodia, says it was probably looted

The Cleveland Museum of Art has returned a 10th-century statue to Cambodia after it uncovered evidence the sculpture was probably looted during the country's civil war.

The Plain Dealer reports (http://bit.ly/1F1kFbd) the museum announced Monday that the statue of Hanuman was returned. The 800-pound sculpture of the Hindu monkey god has been a favorite among schoolchildren who imitate its kneeling pose during tours. The Cleveland museum acquired it in 1982.

Museum officials found last year that the statue's head and body were sold separately in 1968 and 1972 during the Vietnam War and Cambodian civil war. An excavation showed the sculpture's base matched a pedestal at an ancient temple.

The museum says it has entered into an agreement with the National Museum of Cambodia to facilitate joint projects.

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Information from: The Plain Dealer, http://www.cleveland.com