APSARA resurrecting history stone by stone

via Phnom Penh Post, 27 July 2023: The APSARA National Authority’s stone conservation team in Cambodia is restoring the naga balustrade at Banteay Samre temple, carefully preserving its historical significance and ensuring visitors’ access to the temple.

This restoration is a testament to the team’s ongoing commitment to preserve and enhance the cultural value of the Banteay Samre temple. The works, Kosal assures, will not impede the temple’s footfall of visitors.

There remains some uncertainty over the completion date, but the temple remains open, with the repairs restricted to a specific section.

“Not just the Banteay Samre temple, all the temples at Angkor are part of our focused and phased approach towards restoration and maintenance,” Kosal said.

Long Nary, head of the stone conservation team from the Department of Conservation of Monuments and Preventive Archaeology, provided an insight into the team’s methods. For nearly two months, they have been gathering fragments of the original Naga balustrade, both large and small, from various locations, striving to limit the need for new stones.

Source: APSARA resurrecting history stone by stone | Phnom Penh Post