On Wednesday, a collection of nearly 1,800 dazzling jewels tied to the remains of the Buddha will be auctioned at Sotheby’s in Hong Kong, a move that has ignited significant ethical discussions. Discovered in 1898 in Piprahwa, Northern India, near the Buddha's birthplace, these jewels—including pearls, rubies, and gold sheets—have spent over a century under the care of a private British collection, largely unseen.
The jewels are part of a remarkable archaeological find that included bone fragments draped in a storied past, identified by urns inscribed with the Buddha's name. Nicolas Chow, head of Asian Art at Sotheby’s, has called this discovery "among the most extraordinary archaeological findings of all time." However, the decision to auction these historically and culturally significant items has raised critical questions: Can they be ethically sold when they are so deeply linked to India’s sacred heritage?
William Claxton Peppé, the English estate manager who made the discovery, unearthed the relics from a stupa in the late 19th century. Experts believe that these items represent a profound cultural heritage, not just for Buddhists but also for the descendants of Buddha's clan. "Are the relics of the Buddha a commodity to be sold?" questioned Delhi-based art historian Naman Ahuja, emphasizing the need for ethical considerations before proceeding.
Chris Peppé, a descendant of the original discoverer, has stated that the family explored donation options but faced obstacles, leading to the decision to auction the items as the "fairest and most transparent" method. Still, critics, including Ashley Thompson and curator Conan Cheong, have expressed concerns over selling what many view as sacred human remains, underscoring the need for nuanced discussions around ownership and ethical sales.
Buddhist leaders participating in the dialogue have echoed similar sentiments, arguing that orthodox teachings discourage appropriation of culturally significant possessions without permission. Amal Abeyawardene, of the British MahaBodhi Society, pointed out that the original custodianship of these relics was granted to the Sakyamuni clan, emphasizing their desire for preservation and veneration.
Experts have expressed worry about the implications of this auction. According to them, treating such rare artifacts as commodities perpetuates a legacy of colonial extraction and devaluation of their sacred nature. Chris Peppé, drawing from his research into his family's history, acknowledged the complexities surrounding the excavation and initial ownership transfer, though he remains confident that a responsible auction could lead to the items returning to the Buddhist community.
As the auction approaches, many within the Buddhist community and cultural circles worldwide continue to grapple with the ethical implications of commodifying such revered relics, urging a careful reconsideration of how historical treasures are handled moving forward. The situation serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggles over cultural heritage issues in a post-colonial context.
