A rare 10th-century bronze statue was recently discovered in Kampong Thom province, Cambodia, during restoration work on a dried stream near Wat Pong in Chimeak village, Santuk district. The find was made by machine operator Kak Bunthan and quickly drew the attention of the Kampong Thom Provincial Department of Culture and Fine Arts, which coordinated with the Heritage Protection Police and local authorities to secure and examine the artefact.
The statue is believed to depict either a Bodhisattva or Avalokiteshvara, key figures in Mahayana Buddhism. However, its exact identity remains uncertain due to damage to the forehead and temples—features typically used to distinguish between the two. Stylistic analysis suggests the sculpture aligns with the Bakheng style, dating from 893 to 925 AD, though archaeologist Thuy Chanthourn of the Royal Academy of Cambodia has proposed it may also reflect the Khleang style, placing it in the 10th or 11th century.
Chanthourn noted that bronze deity statues are common in Cambodia and carry deep historical and cultural significance. He added, “This discovery is not surprising. Cambodia was the largest iron producer in Southeast Asia during the early Angkor period, with thriving metal industries in Kampong Thom, Kampong Svay, and Preah Vihear.”
The statue is currently on temporary display at the Kampong Thom Provincial Museum, where it will remain until Saturday. It is scheduled to undergo professional cleaning and restoration before being permanently exhibited. On Sunday, Princess Norodom Arunrasmey and Men Samon, the King’s Personal Advisor, visited the museum to view the artefact and offer prayers for national peace and prosperity.
According to the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, Cambodia has recovered over 34,000 ancient artefacts in the past five years through various archaeological efforts and public contributions, underscoring the country’s rich and ongoing connection to its historical heritage.
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