Cambodia Seeks Records from Former Denver Art Museum Board Member Linked to Controversial Dealer

The Cambodian authorities have reached out to the family of the late Emma C. Bunker, an art historian and former board member of the Denver Art Museum, to request access to her documents and archival records. This follows the Denver Art Museum’s recent return of 11 Asian artifacts to countries including Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand, primarily from Bunker’s contributions. These artifacts had raised concerns due to their acquisition through Bunker, who had connections with Douglas Latchford, a notorious dealer accused of trafficking in looted Southeast Asian relics.Bunker, who passed away in 2021, was never officially charged with any criminal activity. Meanwhile, Latchford died in 2020 before facing trial. Despite Bunker’s death, the Denver Post continued to investigate her connections, publishing a detailed three-part series in 2022. The series suggested that Bunker facilitated Latchford’s use of the Denver Art Museum as a conduit for looted artifacts.Emma C. Bunker was instrumental in establishing an acquisitions fund at the Denver Art Museum to support the development of its Asian art galleries. The Denver Post alleged that she leveraged her respected academic standing to endorse Latchford’s activities and that she played a role in aiding the dealer’s questionable dealings.