I am sure you know about the “Dinosaur” of Ta Prohm, the apparent ancient carving of a Stegosaurus by people who would have never known that such existed. Or did they? At the end of this article I’ll explain exactly where to find it and what you need to know about the Ta Prohm Dinosaur, but first, let’s dive in a take a broader look at these mysterious motif carvings because there are many more.
Across most, but not all, Angkorian era temples of the Khmer Empire you’ll find an array of these hidden motifs that are truly fascinating. Sometimes called roundels or medallions, they are unlike the prominent and well-researched carvings that are seen on pediments and lintels and could actually reflect the daily life of the time rather than Hindu/Buddhist narratives and the lives of the gods.
These motifs are often hidden within the generic foliated scroll used vertically on pilasters and walls, horizontally along eaves, sometimes horizontally around the basement supporting the temple and terraces. In some places, the motifs are quite prevalent such as in the pilasters near some doorways, in other places they appear randomly within generic floral patterns. Let’s look at a couple of examples that are quite prominent
Are they depicting religious narratives, the life of the elite, or the life of general folk, or are they simply generic? There are lots of animals that would likely be found at that time, activities that are well known to the era such as Khmer boxing and archery, along with others. Let’s take a look at a selection of the different motifs from a range of temples
That’s just a selection, there are many more variants to be found and sadly many have also been lost to time and erosion too.
A good place to start is to ask whether these motifs and roundels are also found on Indian temples? The answer is yes. While the Khmer style of foliage scroll seems quite unique it was certainly a concept that came along with the knowledge transfer from India at that time. This style of motif can be found in India at Mukteshwara Temple, Chennakeshava temple, Belur Chennakeshava Temple, quite elaborately at Hoysaleshwara Temple, and likely many more. They are also found on temples in the old city of Bagan, Myanmar, and no doubt across other temples of Indian influence.
It’s difficult to know whether they are symbolic of Khmer life at the time, generic heroic figures, or even individual creativity by the stone craftsmen of the time. Some Indian notes also mention these architectural elements having deeper symbolism in the context of the human spirit, life, and the universe and part of the symbolic need for beauty and ornateness as a means to repel evil. Other Indian notes mention them briefly as representing the culture of the community that the temple supports. So, there is probably more to know by taking a deep dive down the rabbit hole into ancient Indian texts although it doesn’t mean that the Khmer of the time applied them in the same way. It’s also worth noting that some of the characters are seen at multiple temples, so, at least some were generic figures.
Which temples in Angkor feature these motifs? They can be found at most Angkor era temples (9th – 14th century) in particular the sandstone temples from the 12th-13th century, regardless of the denomination as Hindu or Buddhist. The floral decoration that commonly surrounds these motifs appears on faux pilasters of early Angkor-era brick temples such as Thma Dap atop Kulen mountain and in the stucco of Preah Ko, to name two, although motifs within that decoration did not appear until much later. Some examples of sites with motifs are Angkor Wat (around the base of the third level and large versions on higher pediments on the western gopura), Angkor Thom (at several sites generally around the base), and they are very prominent at Preah Khan, Banteay Kdei, Chau Say Tevoda (features some of the most exquisite), and Ta Prohm.
Ta Prohm is perhaps where they feature more prominently seen on pilasters and walls with many different characters and animals, and also with much larger versions. Some of the roundels here had the motif removed which is believed to have taken place post the religious change from Buddhism back to Hinduism.
And then there’s the dinosaur of Ta Prohm. To find it from the western entrance, head through the first gopura, follow the trail, cross the moat and through another gopura, keep walking straight and through the next gopura, then, turn right and immediately turn around and head into the corner of the wall and gopura. Here it is on a google map.
The dinasaur has freinds you know!… um, whats going on four levels up? 
Stegosaurus?
Is it really a Stegosaurus that existed around 150 million years earlier or just a local Hog Badger with a leaf background (that’s commonly seen in these motifs and on those that are just above it)? If not the latter then we should start looking for the time portal!
PS: Shout on when you find Stay Puft Marshmallow Man at Angkor Wat!