Nearly 300 Ancient Buddha Statue Fragments Found at Angkor Wat Undergo Meticulous Cleaning by Experts

In Siem Reap, Cambodia, expert teams are meticulously cleaning approximately 300 ancient Buddha statue fragments unearthed from the Angkor Wat temple complex. This initiative, led by the National Museum of Preah Norodom Sihanouk-Angkor, is a critical preparatory stage before the fragments can be preserved and eventually restored. According to Ms. Chon Chandarat, a technical staff member at the National Museum of Preah Norodom Sihanouk-Angkor, the cleaning process involves nearly 300 sandstone fragments. These pieces vary in size, with most made of sandstone, while some are composed of mountain rock or pottery. The fragments were discovered in 2020 by the Apsara National Authority team during excavation work for an irrigation system around the Angkor Wat temple. In July 2023, the fragments were transferred to the museum for numbering and the commencement of cleaning. Ms. Chon Chandarat explained that cleaning is conducted using two methods: dry and wet. Extreme care is taken due to the fragility of many statue pieces, especially those with lacquer coatings. Consequently, cleaning a single fragment can take one to two weeks, indicating a lengthy overall process. To date, ten fragments have been cleaned, and the meticulous work continues. This endeavor is vital for the preservation of Cambodia's renowned Angkor temple complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and for transmitting its historical value to future generations. The discovered fragments offer invaluable insights into past artistic styles and craftsmanship.