Nazi-stolen Buddhist statue made from meteorite, The Nazis already stole their swastika symbol from the Buddhists, but also nicked a priceless statue from Tibet - carved from meteorite - it emerged today.


New research has proved that the 1000 year old figure is made from the falling star which crashed into the Earth 15,00 years ago. Tests have shown the image of Buddhist King of the North, Vaisravana, contains an incredibly rare form of nickel-rich iron - only present in stars.


The carving was looted by the Nazis from Tibet by Hitler's army in the 1930s, while they were 'searching for the origins of the Aryan race' - and was hidden in a private collection, until it was auctioned in 2007.

The new owner then approached Dr Elmar Buchner of University of Stuttgart to uncover the truth behind his win. Scientists have now revealed the relic is made from a meteorite that fell on the broder of Siberia and Mongolia between 10,000 and 20,000 years ago.


"If we are right that it was made in the Bon culture in the 11th century, it is absolutely priceless and absolutely unique worldwide," Buchner said.

"It is extremely impressive, it was formerly almost completely gilded – there is a great mystery represented by it."


It's like an Indiana Jones film turned reality, but the biggest mystery we want to solve is, exactly how much did the owner pay out? [Source]