Carvings

Within the spectacle of thousand year old buildings is the art displayed. Cambodian carvings, show a degree of animation and freedom of movement that is quite impressive for the time. European art had not managed much fluidity in the human form and would not for hundreds of years.

Experts, please weigh in with some informed information.

I began viewing details rather than the large monuments. Smaller art within the magnificent monuments enhanced my appreciation of the overall achievement.

Decorations on Brick building to left of west entrance of Bakong.

The two beautiful carved female figures on either side of the entrance are carved in the brick. The columns are quite basic, but squinting at the image at the top of the door we can discern some intricate work.

Images on the Lintel of Brick building a Bakong

The central figure is Kala who is a Hindu god of time which consumes everything. Aside Kala are four figures on horseback. Below are many figures atop Nagas, three headed snakes. On each end is a figure atop a lion.

Ganesha

On this lintel, also from a group of temples about the 9th to early 10th century is Ganesha, the elephant. Along are such fluid and lithe dancers. If you follow the thread to the end, you see three headed Nagas at each side. Below are intricate and decorative curlicues. Above is a wonderful frieze of praying figures in individual niches.

Three Headed Naga Frieze

In the above image, the Hindu god is a three headed Naga, or snake, the lower centerbelow Kala. The density of the images and the carving is a wonder. On the top frieze are praying figures within individual niches.