Nicolas Chow, chairman of Sotheby's Asia and worldwide head of Asian Art, believes this is "among the most extraordinary archaeological discoveries of all time". Historians agree these relics, intact until then, are the heritage of both the Buddha's Sakya clan descendants and Buddhists worldwide. Julian King, Sotheby's international specialist and head of sale, Himalayan Art, New York told the BBC the auction house had made a thorough review of the jewels. In a joint statement they told the BBC: "Other ethical questions raised by the sale are: should human remains be traded? Sources told the BBC the auction house considers the "duplicates" to be original items considered surplus to those donated, which the "Indian government permitted Peppé to retain".