Object Name: Golden Boy (also referred to as Standing Shiva)
Object Type: Sculpture (possibly a representation of the Hindu deity Shiva)
Materials: Gilt copper alloy with silver inlay
Dimensions: Approximately 129 cm (about 4 feet) in height
Culture Origin: Angkor period (Khmer Empire), estimated to be from the 11th century (Believed to have originated in what is now Thailand or Cambodia)
Exhibition: Currently on display at the Bangkok National Museum, Thailand (Returned from the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, in May 2024)
Condition: Minor damage observed, likely due to looting and illicit transport. Described as “damaged when it was looted.”
Conservation History: Acquired by the Met in 1988; held in their collection until it was deaccessioned and repatriated to Thailand in 2024. Conserved and documented by the Met prior to the return.
Preservation Status: Under museum care
Preservation History: Recovered from the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 2023; returned to Thailand in 2024
Retention Policy: Permanent
Archival Location: Bangkok National Museum
Backup Status: Physical artifact; digital photos archived
Parent Collection: Khmer Art Collection
Sub Collections: Repatriated Khmer Sculptures
Related Items: Kneeling Lady (Returned together in 2024)
Accessibility Features: Not specified
Accessibility Compliance: Not specified
Copyright Status: Public domain
Copyright Holder: None
License Terms: Repatriated artifact, free use for non-commercial education
Jurisdiction: Thailand
Cultural Significance: Significant Khmer artifact representing early Southeast Asian art and Hindu iconography.
Cultural Context: Khmer Empire; influenced Thai-Khmer culture and spiritual practices.
Access Statistics: High visitor interest since 2024
Citation Information: Golden Boy, Bangkok National Museum, 2024. Source: Time, Archaeology Magazine
User Feedback: Widely praised as a major cultural return and symbol of heritage
Educational Use: Southeast Asian art history and cultural heritage
Curriculum Alignment: Ancient Art, Southeast Asian History
Learning Objectives: Understand Khmer iconography and the importance of cultural heritage restitution.
 "Golden Boy (Standing Shiva)")