Restoration of the Dancing Shiva of Koh Ker

Koh Ker, Cambodia

Amount $ 255 178

Years 2021 - 2024

Operator Ecole française d'Extrême-Orient in close cooperation with the National Authority for Preah Vihear and the National Museum of Cambodia

Type of grant Call for projects

EFEO Bourdonneau
3D reconstruction of statue (c) EFEO [GrezProdCunin]

The 10th-century statue of dancing Shiva from the Red Temple in Koh Ker in north Cambodia is an exceptional example of Khmer heritage, not only because of its monumental size, but also because of its exceptional iconography. The 5m tall statue, weighing close to seven tons, was smashed into fragments by looters during the civil war. The project carries out the complex conservation of the fragmented sculpture and provides training in stone conservation for 20 Cambodian professionals. It also assists the local authorities in preparing the exhibition of the statue in the future museum of Koh Ker.