800-year-old statue was missing its head — until now. See the find in Cambodia
Standing in front of an 800-year-old gateway in Cambodia, visitors are likely drawn to the massive stone sculpture that surrounds the simple rectangular gate. After all, this is the centerpiece of the structure.
But to reach it, visitors must pass 108 stone statues that flank the walkway. One of these ancient statues has been sitting there headless — perhaps not for much longer.
Archaeologists started excavating Angkor Thom’s Victory Gate ahead of a restoration project, the APSARA National Authority said in a May 15 news release. Built in the 12th century, this massive entranceway is one of five gates that lead into a temple complex that includes the iconic Angkor Wat site.
As they dug, archaeologists uncovered a “well-preserved” sandstone sculpture — and found the missing head of an 800-year-old statue.
The ancient head appears relatively large next to the archaeologists. A photo shows the statue’s intricately carved eyes and headpiece. Its nose has broken off, and it abruptly ends where the statue’s upper lip should be.
Archaeologists identified it as part of the 23rd Deva, or god, statue that sits along the nearby Victory Gate. They did not specify how long the 800-year-old statue had been missing its head or if they planned to reunite the two sections.
Officials said the finding “adds to the rich archaeological heritage of Angkor Thom.”
Excavations at the Victory Gate are ongoing. The Angkor Thom complex in Siem Reap, Cambodia. Cambodia is in southeast Asia, bordering Laos, Thailand and Vietnam.
This story was originally published May 16, 2024 at 9:15 AM with the headline "800-year-old statue was missing its head — until now. See the find in Cambodia."
