Archaeologists in Cambodia have recently uncovered the torso of a Buddha statue at the Angkor temple complex, specifically at the Ta Prohm temple. This remarkable discovery is significant because it matches a Buddha head found nearly a century ago, in 1927. The torso, which stands 1.16 meters tall, is believed to date from the 12th or 13th century and is designed in the Bayon art style, associated with the Bayon temple. Neth Simon, an archaeologist involved in the dig, explained that the torso was found alongside 29 other fragments, which were thought to be parts of the same statue. The statue’s left-hand gesture, unique in Khmer art, adds to its significance. The head of the statue is currently kept at Cambodia’s National Museum in Phnom Penh, and an optical electronic scan confirmed the match between the head and the torso.

The discovery of the torso opens the possibility of reconstructing the statue, as only the right hand is missing. Neth Simon stated that the team would seek approval from the Minister of Culture and Fine Art to reassemble the statue for public display. The Angkor site, covering 400 square kilometers, is one of the most important archaeological locations in Southeast Asia, attracting about a million visitors annually. The ongoing excavations at the Ta Prohm temple are crucial for preserving the cultural heritage of Cambodia. Experts emphasize that the protection and restoration of such artifacts not only contribute to the historical understanding of the Khmer Empire but also play a vital role in tourism, which is an essential part of Cambodia’s economy.