Thailand: Case of the Missing Vishnu

Archaeologists in Thailand have spent years assembling thousands of stone blocks to restore the Temple of Phnom Rung, a monument of the Khmer dynasty (A.D. 802-1250). A key part of the temple has mysteriously turned up 10,000 miles away at Chicago’s Art Institute, and the Thais are demanding it back.

The ancient block, which once adorned the temple entrance, has sat, almost unnoticed, at the institute since 1967. It bears an exquisite carving depicting the Hindu god Vishnu, who is said to have created the world from an ocean of milk. Thailand wants the lintel returned in time for the official unveiling of the restored temple in April.

The dispute took a nasty turn last month, when an anonymous letter sent to Bangkok newspapers suggested that U.S. soldiers stationed in Thailand during the Viet Nam War stole the sculpture, an allegation denied by U.S. officials. Last week a compromise seemed within reach: Art Institute officials said they are considering a proposal to hand over the carving in exchange for another Thai artifact.