Villagers from Yangchun believe that the mummified statue, currently in possession of a Dutch collector, is the same one that was stolen from their village 20 years ago. (Photo : ABC News Go)
The villagers of Yangchun have rejected a set of conditions set by a Dutch collector for the return of a mummified buddha believed to have been stolen from their village in 1995.
"After the conditions were disclosed by media, we discussed the issue, and found two of the three hard to accept," said Lin Wenqing from Yangchun Village.
The Dutch collector gave his conditions to Xinhua.
"Firstly, I want it to go to a big temple instead of the small village temple. Secondly, I want to do some scientific research for which I hope to get some cooperation," the collector said. "Thirdly, I just want them to pay a reasonable amount of money, as is normal. It will become part of a bigger collection of art, which was already for sale and to which I have added this statue. So now it is only for sale as part of this collection."
The Dutchman spoke to Xinhua on the condition of anonymity. However, previous media reports have identified him as Oscar van Overeem, a Dutch architect.
The Dutchman has been quoted saying he wants to give the mummy, also known as "the Zhanggong Zushi," to the large South Putuo Temple on Xiamen Island.
"The Zhanggong Zushi was worshipped as a god in our village for more than 1,000 years. We could not accept placing it elsewhere," said Lin.
Regarding the payment, Lin said that payment itself is understandable but the amount is unreasonable for the villagers.
The collector said that he bought the mummy for 40,000 Dutch guilders (around $19,850) in the 1990s. He also claims that he has been offered as much as $30 million for it.
The South Putuo Temple has said that they have "never worshipped any mummified buddha and have no intention to enshrine and worship the Zhanggong Zushi," according to the Chinese State Administration of Cultural Heritage.
Hundreds of Datian County residents have signed a letter to Dutch Prime Minister Mark Ruttle in March, pleading for the buddha's return. The letter was handed via the Chinese embassy.
The villagers also plan to bring the case to Dutch court.
