KATHMANDU: An artistic wooden strut of archeological importance built in the 14th century, which was stolen from Nepal, has returned to Nepal from the United States.

According to the Department of Archeology (DOA), the strut of archaeological importance was stolen from the main gate of Kathmandu Metropolitan City-24 Itumbahal Mahabihar approximately in 1984-1985.

Similarly, an 11th century stone statue of Shiva has also been returned and handed over to the DOA.

DAO Director General Damodar Gautam said that the statue of Shiva went missing in 1995 from Kangkeshwari temple located in KMC-19.

It has been revealed that both artifacts had been donated to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.

After the DOA submitted proof that they belonged to Nepal, the related organizations returned them on their own expense.

Director General Gautam said other artifacts in the US and UK are also in the process of being repatriated.

According to the department, so far, 19 idols from Britain, 1 from Austria, 25 from America, 28 from Tibet, 13 from Calcutta, India, one each from Germany, Italy and Europe have been returned to Nepal.