Large ancient statue found at Angkor complex

Phnom Penh Aug 1 (IANS) Archaeologists have unearthed a large ancient statue during excavations in the Angkor complex in Cambodia s Siem Reap province an official said on Tuesday.

Long Kosal Deputy Director of the Communications Department of the Apsara Authority that manages the park said the 1.9-meter tall 58-cm wide statue was found on Saturday by a group of researchers from the Apsara Authority and Singapore s Institute of Southeast Asian Studies.

"The statue is thought to be from the late 12th or early 13th century " the official told Xinhua news agency.

He said the research group discovered the statue while excavating an Angkor-era hospital built during the reign of King Jayavarman VII.

The statue with its arms and legs broken off is believed to be a guardian of the ancient hospital s entrance he said. The statue was buried about 40 cm under the ground.

The 401 sq km Angkor archaeological park inscribed on the Unesco s World Heritage List in 1992 is the kingdom s most popular tourist destination.

--IANS
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