An archaeologist from the APSARA National

An archaeologist from the APSARA National Authority to show Kun Khmer bas-relief sculptures at temples in the Angkor site Mr. Phoeung Dara,

an archaeologist from the APSARA National Authority, points out some bas-relief sculptures related to Kun Khmer such as Khmer martial arts, wrestling, or labokator on the platform of some temples in the Angkor site. According to this expert, these bas-relief sculptures are found at Ta Prohm, Bayon, Angkor Wat, Banteay Samre, Preah Khan, and Prei temples, etc. Mr. Phoeung Dara explains that most of the Khmer martial arts are carved into small sculptures on the lower part of the temple. For example, on the southern platform of Ta Prohm's Dance Hall, about eight sculptures are carved in a row, with hugs, kneeling, warming muscles, watering, etc. Apart from that, there are also isolated carvings on the south side of the temple. At Ta Prohm temple, there is a sculpture where two people use knee kicks. Mr. Phoeung Dara considers this sculpture to be a Khmer martial artist, as two people were seen competing. The one on the right grabs the head of the one on the left presses down, and the left foot rests on his knees toward his opponent. But the one on the left uses his right hand to hold the knee so that it does not come face to face. Researchers believe that this may be just a rehearsal for the game, because, on the right side of the sculpture, a person is sitting on his knees, pointing to the two of them, as if ordering something. As for the bas-relief sculptures on the wall of Preah Khan temple, Mr. Phoeung Dara explained that on the pillar, two people were seen hugging each other, with the left person grabbing the opponent's neck and the right person trying to hug his partner's thigh and hold on. Because these bas-relief sculptures are so small, they are not well known. They always go back and forth. Mr. Dara wants the sculptures to be widely publicized because they are important heritage and historical documents for future generations. Article: Neang Samnang Photos: Phoeung Dara, Phouk Chea ✅ APSARA National Authority ✅ 📍Bang Korng Village, Ampil Commune, Prasat Bakong District, Siem Reap, 17651