Archaeologists in Cambodia recently unearthed twelve sandstone statues at the Angkor World Heritage Site, located near Siem Reap. This significant discovery was announced by the Apsara National Authority, which manages the historic site. These ancient sculptures, identified as “door guardians,” were found near the north gate of Angkor Thom, the last capital of the Khmer Empire, dating back to the 11th century. Excavations revealed the statues buried up to 4.5 feet underground, each measuring between 39 and 43 inches in height. Despite centuries of burial, many statues exhibit exceptional preservation, displaying intricate facial hair and stylized features representative of the Khneang Style. This style is believed to align with the construction period of the Angkor Thom palace.

This excavation forms part of an ongoing collaboration between the Apsara Authority and the China-Cambodia Government Team for Safeguarding Angkor, aiming to conserve Cambodia’s historical patrimony. After documenting the precise positioning of each statue, the archaeological team removed them for restoration. Plans are underway to return these artifacts to their original sites after cleaning, further strengthening Angkor’s allure as a cultural landmark. Spanning 400 square kilometers, the Angkor Archaeological Park, which includes the renowned Angkor Wat, attracts vast numbers of international tourists each year. Cambodia has also engaged in repatriation efforts to recover artifacts from foreign museums and collections. However, local relocation initiatives near Angkor, intended to protect the site, have attracted international scrutiny, with the U.N.’s World Heritage Committee recently advising that an expert team monitor these developments.