I found the docu series "Expedition Unknown" the other day and began watching.

Yesterday two episodes on the stolen treasure from Cambodian temples.
Now I've seen a docu on ancient temples and the ancient culture & peoples a while back. A very high standing culture, very advanced as you often see with such people.
Intricate waterworks and irrigation systems, the carved stone buildings are exquisite as well.

But I didn't know that many of these ancient cities and temples were robbed of their artwork?!
Millions of dollars gone, disappeared into the black market and part in museums all over the world.

A lot was also completely trashed by the Red Khmer in the 70s?!!!
And after their regime fell many poor Cambodians and/or former Red Khmer child soldiers knicked what remained to sell it.
They didn't give a rip about the works as they often just broke them off their stands, leaving carved feet and hands etc. behind.

I was almost in tears when I saw that, the destruction and disrespect of it all.

There was a huge statue of Shiva, 4,5m tall (15feet) and that was blown up?!?!
Reason: Legend told that inside it was gold and precious gems.
Of course there were none, but the delicate statue is forever gone.

Currently people are trying to get those treasures back to Cambodia.
Much has already been returned, some with help of former robbers!

Much of what you see from these statues and carvings is gorgeous! So incredibly delicate and smooth that it leaves you awestruck at the skill of these people way back when!
It all looks smooth as silk.
We arrogant Caucasians tend(ed) to think of such cultures as primitive but this is no way primitive!

But such a shame.
Breaks my heart to see, think, know that people are so barbaric.
This was Cambodia but such practises have occurred worldwide.
Greed & money & ego...

And it makes me appreciate the painting I did of the Cambodian Ta Prohm temple even more!




Such a rich culture and yet you hardly ever hear of it?

"A lot was also completely trashed by the Red Khmer in the 70s?!!!
And after their regime fell many poor Cambodians and/or former Red Khmer child soldiers knicked what remained to sell it.
They didn't give a rip about the works as they often just broke them off their stands, leaving carved feet and hands etc. behind.

I was almost in tears when I saw that, the destruction and disrespect of it all".



***I don't think they had much of a choice. It's called survival.


"We arrogant Caucasians tend(ed) to think of such cultures as primitive but this is no way primitive"!


***Modern structures are nothing compared to Old World architecture. I admired those structures for their beauty, aesthetics, life, craftsmanship and of course being long lasting. Today architecture is just plain ugly, lifeless, cold and hard and of course crumbling after 50 years if so long. Yet modern man keep boasting how smart and wise they are!


"This was Cambodia but such practises have occurred worldwide.
Greed & money & ego".

***Unfortunately...