Puzzling Apsara carvings found on Angkor Thom gate

via Khmer Times, 3 May 2022: Apsara carvings found at an unexpected place during restoration of one of the Angkor Thom gateways.

Archaeologists in Siem Reap, the heart of the former Khmer Empire, have discovered pieces of a new puzzle about ancient Angkorian construction techniques.

The pieces were identified as carvings of Apsara, a goddess of the clouds and waters in Hindu and Buddhist culture, on the northern wall of the Takav Gate causeway, where archaeologists were clearing vegetation and removing soil from the lower structure of the gate during restoration.

The gate is one of the five gates to Angkor Thom, which was built in the late 12th century by King Jayavarman VII.

Source: Puzzling Apsara carvings found on Angkor Thom gate – Khmer Times