Nearly 300 Buddha Statue Fragments Found at Angkor Wat Undergoing Cleaning for Restoration

A specialized team from the Preah Norodom Sihanouk-Angkor Museum is meticulously cleaning nearly 300 fragments of Buddha statues discovered at the Angkor site in Cambodia. This crucial undertaking is a significant step towards the preservation and future restoration of these ancient artifacts. According to Ms. Chon Channarat, a technical staff member at the museum, the archaeological artifact cleaning team is currently working on approximately 300 fragments, primarily made of sandstone, with some also consisting of limestone and pottery. These fragments were initially unearthed in 2020 by a team from the Authority for the Protection and Management of Angkor and the Greater Siem Reap Region (APSARA National Authority) during excavation work for an irrigation system around the Angkor Wat temple complex. In July 2026, the fragments were transferred to the museum for cataloging and cleaning preparation. Ms. Channarat explained that the cleaning process involves two methods: dry cleaning and wet cleaning. Extreme care is being taken due to the fragile nature of many fragments, particularly those with lacquer coatings that have deteriorated. This delicate work means that cleaning a single fragment can take between one to two weeks. To date, cleaning has been completed for about ten Buddha statue fragments, and the team continues to proceed with the utmost diligence. Source: Kampuchea Thmey Local