Large torso of Uma; Cambodia, Angkor Wat. Baphuon style. Lower Khmer, 11th century.
Sandstone.
With slight restoration in the area of the ankles.
Measurements: 55 x 14 x 12 cm.
Large sandstone torso of Uma from Cambodia, Angkor Wat, Baphuon style. Represented standing, in samabhanga, on a square base. Her youthful, unadorned body with prominent breasts and beautifully rounded belly, wearing a long, pleated sarong tied at the front, the long central pleat elegantly culminating in a 'fishtail' shape at the hem, joined at the hips with a patterned belt fastened at the front with a knot. The piece has been restored in the ankle area, with minor superficial flaws but in excellent condition.
Angkor Wat, located in Cambodia, is the largest preserved religious monument (or monumental complex) in the world, covering just over 162 hectares. Originally built as a Hindu temple to the god Vishnu by the Khmer Empire, it became an important centre of Buddhism towards the end of the 12th century (which continues today) and was never completely abandoned, although it did go through periods of decadence (mainly after the 16th century). Apart from the typology of the buildings (mainly two, the "mountain-temple" and the later gallery temple; intended to represent Mount Meru, home of the "devas" of Hindu mythology) it is decorated with a large number of friezes of stone bas-reliefs with various themes (Ramayana and Mahabharata on the inner walls of the outer gallery; in other areas the Battle of Lanka, the Battle of Kurukshetra, a procession of King Suryavarman II, the 32 hells and 37 heavens of Hinduism, the Samudramanthan, Vishnu defeating 'asuras' - apparently added in the 16th century - scenes from the life of Krishna, apsaras, devata, etc.).).