Vihear Bak Kor

Located south of ancient Longvek’s outer wall and moat, the site features a contemporary shelter atop a high mound that is surrounded by ancient sema stones. Inside the shelter, is an incredible collection of Buddhist sculptures and several ancient remnants, one assumes, from the 16th-17th century.

The kindhearted caretaker at the site states most of the statues were found at sites in the Longvek area, and all were found decapitated, as he states, the heads were stolen and taken by Siam forces back in the turbulent days of the Longvek era during the 16th-17th centuries.

There are two larger pieces, both sandstone torsos, one is wrapped in cloth, and another features a sash and is seen in photos from decades ago. The other pieces, especially the sandstone pedestals of the Buddha statues, who have all had their heads replaced, are certainly of a style that is related to the Longvek period while the others more contemporary. With them all gathered together it’s a bit hard for me to get close enough, but I think it would be quite valuable to draw each one out and document the artistic details, a job for the authorities. Notably, at least one has an inscription.

Rodney Charles LHuillier

Living in Asia for over a decade and now residing in beautiful Siem Reap - Contact via [email protected] - more..