• Society

Exhibition of Artifacts from the West Mebon Temple in Siem Reap

• By Luy Sireyreaksa
• November 27, 2023 12:00 PM

SIEM REAP — The Preah Norodom Sihanouk-Angkor Museum is holding an exhibition of artifacts believed to be from the 11th century.

Organized by the Department of Research, Training, and Communication of the APSARA National Authority, the exhibition includes ceremonial objects, bronze statues as well as decorative features in bronze, copper and ceramic.

There also is a ceramic object that may have been specifically made to contain a wax statue of the Buddha, and a ceramic of the Buddha that could be from the post-Angkorian period considering the conception and form of the statue, the APSARA Authority experts said.

These artifacts were found during excavations at the West Mebon temple conducted between 2012 and 2018. So, they may have been part of the temple that was built in the 11th century during the reign of King Suryavarman I and the reign of King Udayadityavarman II who succeeded him, the APSARA National Authority experts said.

Located about four kilometers from downtown Siem Reap city, the Preah Norodom Sihanouk-Angkor Museum has on display artifacts ranging from prehistoric human remains, to Angkorian sculptures, wooden statues of the Buddha and ancient coins.

This exhibition of 11th century objects runs through Feb. 23, 2024.