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The Angkorian era (9th-13th centuies)


Architecture and sculpture peak during the Angkorian era. The sculptors in particular develop a truly Khmer art, devoid of any foreign influences; in other works, a local art form inspired by beauty and sensibility, coupled with religious significance.

Thus, during the Khmer empire era, the master sculptors work more specifically on deities in the likeness of their ancestors to express their religious dedication. However, in the absence of any specific information, some statues of varying sizes should not be seen as representations of kings and queens but merely considered as representations of gods and goddesses.

From this glorious era remain numerous sculptures of both Brahmanism and Mahayana Buddhism Preah Neang Devi. Unfortunately, most of these statues have not survived unscathed and are difficult to identify.

The museum’s collections show Angkorian Preah Neang Devi sculpted in the round or on bas-reliefs, in the likeness of Siva and Uma; on plinths and boundary stones, they are sculpted in the likeness of Prajnaparamita and on lintels, in the likeness of Laksma and Bhudevi.
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