Background of the Controversial Auction
Sotheby’s, a renowned auction house, recently made the decision to postpone the sale of a collection of jewels believed to be linked to the remains of the Buddha. This move came after India’s government expressed strong opposition to the auction, demanding the return of the gems. The postponement was announced in a statement by Sotheby’s, which indicated that discussions between the parties would continue. The auction had been scheduled to take place in Hong Kong and was expected to draw significant attention due to the historical and religious significance of the items.
The collection, referred to as “gem relics,” includes various precious stones such as amethysts, pearls, carnelians, shells, and embossed gold sheets. These items are considered sacred by many Buddhists, who believe they are the corporeal remains of the Buddha. The auction house described the collection as having “unparalleled religious, archaeological and historical importance,” highlighting its significance in early Buddhist history.
Discovery and Historical Context
The gem relics were discovered more than a century ago by William Claxton Peppé, a British colonial engineer. His excavation took place in the village of Piprahwa, located in what is now northern Uttar Pradesh, India. The site was found to contain an ancient Buddhist stupa and a large sandstone sarcophagus-like tomb. Inside this cavern, five vessels were uncovered, containing approximately 1,800 gemstones and precious metals dating back to around 240 BCE, along with small pieces of bone and ash.
An inscription on one of the urns indicated that the remains belonged to the Buddha, who had his ashes buried at eight separate sites following his death around 480 BCE. Historians have noted that this discovery was the first credible find of the Buddha’s relics in modern times, capturing the imagination of Buddhist scholars and devotees ever since.
Legal and Ethical Implications
India’s Ministry of Culture has taken a firm stance against the auction, stating that it is taking “swift and comprehensive” measures to stop the sale and ensure compliance with international laws. The ministry called on Sotheby’s to return these sacred artifacts to their rightful place, emphasizing the illegality of the auction.
This situation raises important legal and ethical questions regarding the ownership and repatriation of cultural artifacts. The relics, which were originally part of a larger collection, have a complex history involving colonialism and the displacement of cultural heritage. The Indian government argues that the gems should be returned to their original context, where they can be properly enshrined and preserved for future generations.
Perspectives from Scholars and Experts
Experts in Buddhist studies and art history have voiced concerns about the commercialization of these sacred relics. Karam Tej S. Sarao, a former professor at the University of Delhi, emphasized that the gems should be handed over to the Indian government to be enshrined in the Piprahwā Stūpa. He argued that the commercialization of these relics perpetuates a form of greed that is contrary to the values of Buddhism.
Curator Conan Cheong and Professor Ashley Thompson of SOAS, University of London, also criticized the auction, describing it as “perpetuating colonial violence.” They highlighted that the relics are considered the “corporeal remains imbued with the living presence of the Buddha,” making them sacred to many Buddhists.
Family Involvement and Public Interest
Chris Peppé, the great-grandson of William Claxton Peppé, and his cousins have been involved in the management of the gem relics. Since inheriting them in 2013, the family has sought to make the gems available for public viewing, ideally by Buddhist communities. Through the Piprahwa Project, they have shared research on the relics with the public and have exhibited the gems in museums around the world.
Prior to the auction’s postponement, Chris Peppé stated that his family believes the 334 items in their possession should go to Buddhists. He mentioned that despite exhibitions in major museums, including the Met, there has been relatively little interest from the public, including Buddhists, in the gems. The auction, he suggested, may provide a fair and transparent way to transfer this small part of the original find to Buddhists.
