Lion Statues to Return Angkor Wat Terrace
The statues were taken from the terrace on the northern part of Angkor Wat’s causeway in 1997 and have been kept at the Angkor conservation compound since. Photo: Isa Rohany
- By Sem Vanna
- October 30, 2022 11:27 AM
PHNOM PENH – The APSARA Authority will return two lion statues to their original place in front of Angkor Wat early in November after their renovation is complete.
The statues were taken from the terrace on the northern part of Angkor Wat’s causeway in 1997 and have been kept at the Angkor conservation compound since.
The authority said on Oct. 28 that restoration by the stone conservation team was more than 95 percent complete.
The statues have been retained in their original form, enhancing the original value and beauty of Angkor Wat. The relocation come as the causeway renovation is almost complete.
Long Nary, head of the team, said that his team started repairing the sculptures in April 2022. In the early stage of renovation, the team prepared documents and collected small and large pieces of the original sculpture.
“The statues have regained their structural strength. The team repaired the damaged area and have filled some stones on legs, feet, body and other parts of the lion bodies, which are necessary to to avoid further damage,” he said.
In repairing, the team also maintained the original characteristics and ensured the long-term safety of the sculpture.
During the French colonial period, the sculptures were repaired with cement and steel to keep them stable. But the repairs broke down over time as the cement aged.
Originally written for ThmeyThmey25, this story was translated for Cambodianess.
