An auction this month of ancient jewels believed to have links with Gautama Buddha is sure to stir heated ethical and cultural debate among religious groups, historians, and collectors.
This collection, consisting of gold, crystal and semi-precious gemstones was discovered during an archaeological dig near an ancient Buddhist stupa in South Asia over several decades ago. Bellington’s in London has listed this event under their “Sacred Antiquities” event with bidding expected to start from PS750,000. Some experts predict the final sale could fetch millions.
According to their catalog description, these jewels were purportedly discovered near an area thought to contain some of Buddha’s cremated remains. While their exact connection has yet to be verified independently, their archaeological source and religious symbolism have caused strong reactions among scholars and experts alike.
Buddhist communities from across the world have strongly denounced this auction as an affront to spiritual sanctity. Venerable Tenzin Rinchen, a senior monk at the International Buddhist Society said they hold deep cultural and religious meaning for his followers, thus making their sale for profit an act that shows disrespectful disregard towards Buddha’s legacy as well as millions of his devotees worldwide.
Historians and archaeologists have voiced similar concerns. Dr. Amelia Ward, lecturer in South Asian history at Oxford University stated, if these jewels had indeed come from sites linked with Buddha relics they should either be kept in museums or returned back home instead of being sold at auction for as little as possible.
Bellington’s, however, stands by their decision, asserting that all items sold at Bellington’s were legally acquired and had successfully passed all international provenance checks. A spokesperson stated: “We acknowledge the significance of these pieces and take extra care in how they’re presented and handled; their sale allows private collectors or institutions to responsibly preserve them.”
This has ignited heated discussions around ownership and commercialization of sacred artifacts from colonized or historically looted regions, particularly originating in Thailand. Multiple Buddhist organizations have launched petitions calling on UNESCO to intervene and cancel the auction house sale, while calling upon it to stop selling off sacred objects that originated there.
As the auction date nears, public pressure continues to build up. While its outcome remains uncertain, this event has already reignited global conversations about ethics, heritage, and the commercialization of sacred history.