In recent times, Switzerland has magnified its stance on the protection and restitution of invaluable cultural heritage. Taking a remarkable step, the Federal Office of Culture (FOC) has returned five Chinese artifacts, including a 2,000-year-old equestrian statue from the Han Dynasty, to their homeland, China.
Fabienne Baraga, who oversees the FOC’s Specialized Body for International Transfer of Cultural Property, expressed deep responsibility when witnessing the return of these items. Her sentiments were not just due to her professional role; they were rooted in the global importance of returning stolen or illicitly obtained cultural artifacts. This ongoing effort encourages nations to come together and address the preservation of our global heritage.
In the summer of 2023, Switzerland’s historical decision came to life. A Ming Dynasty wine vessel, two statues from the Tang Dynasty, a coin from the Yuan Dynasty, and the Han Dynasty’s equestrian statue were officially handed over by Carine Bachmann, the FOC director, to Wang Shiting, China’s Ambassador to Switzerland.
These relics, between 2018 and 2022, had found their way into Switzerland under dubious circumstances. Upon close inspection, Swiss customs authorities realized that these artifacts had either not been declared or were inaccurately declared upon import. Consequently, charges were filed, leading to the confiscation of these relics. They were later passed to the federal government.
The eventual discovery pointed towards violations of the Cultural Property Transfer Act (CPTA), a legislative embodiment of the UNESCO 1970 Convention that condemns the illicit transfer of cultural properties. Both China and Switzerland are committed members of this convention. Huo Zhengxin, a respected professor at the China University of Political Science and Law, emphasized that if these artifacts had been illicitly brought into Switzerland, they likely were unlawfully taken from China.
The act of restitution was not political; instead, it highlighted the effectiveness of the China-Switzerland bilateral agreement inked in 2013. In fact, Switzerland had previously returned a Han Dynasty artifact in 2014, marking the first success after the bilateral agreement’s ratification.
Describing the return, Baraga noted, “This restitution is an important sign of the prosperous partnership between Switzerland and China, and a testament to our commitment against the illicit trade of cultural properties.”
Further amplifying its commitment in 2023, FOC supported experts from the Chinese Academy of Cultural Heritage in restoring artifacts found in Liye, Hunan Province. This collaboration is a testament to Switzerland’s view of China as a priority in their bilateral cultural agreements. Since 2009, FOC has backed numerous Chinese projects related to the nation’s movable cultural heritage.
Xiong Gang, a cultural connoisseur, highlighted Switzerland’s unique position as a European nation with a consensus on returning stolen artifacts. He referenced France and Germany, which have recently shown interest in returning cultural assets to Benin and are working with China on cataloging looted Boxer Rebellion relics.
Huo Zhengxin observed that these noble acts deserve acknowledgment, even though the repatriation of international relics remains challenging. Mirroring the sentiment, Baraga stated, “Our entire team feels a profound responsibility towards such historically significant objects. It brings immense gratification to return them to their rightful home.”
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