Temple Watch: Koh Ker (from the Phnom Penh Post) | Heritage Watch

+++ Newsticker requires javascript +++

Temple Watch: Koh Ker (from the Phnom Penh Post)

April 2009
Dave Perkes for the Phnom Penh Post

After 1,000 years of abandonment to the jungle and looters, the temple city of Koh Ker is now getting the attention of restorers. The Angkor Foundation, based in Budapest, has just commenced a three-year program involving a small team of Hungarian archaeologists and environmental experts. A small survey team is working on a mapping project and work had already started stabilising hazardous structures.

Outside the entrance gopura of the pyramid of Prasat Thom lies an unstable laterite building which was in danger of falling down. This has now been temporarily stabilised by wood and brick. The moated area of the central sanctuary was cleared of vegetation in 2007, leaving unattractive piles of brick rubble. The brick sanctuaries have small areas of original stucco, but were in a very poor state. Some of the most unstable structures are now being shored up. The outlying Prasat Damrei, or Elephant Temple, had gaping cracks in the brickwork. Timber supports have enclosed the tower and the stone elephants within it. Nearby, at Ang Khna reservoir, a number of large ancient carvings including lizards, fish, snakes and crocodiles have recently been unearthed.

Add comment

JComments

"The work of Heritage Watch in developing innovative programs...to preserve Cambodia's cultural heritage and to foster responsible tourism represent a 21st century approach to... stemming the trade in illegal antiquities" James Cuno, Director, Center for

Latest comments

New Red List Aimed to Protect ...
KOVAL ! why do you only respond to people who thre...
20.01.12 20:23
Phnom Penh Post reports; Koh K...
What do you like football, Cristiano Ronaldo or Me...
24.12.11 12:50
Historic Renakse Hotel Under T...
Thia hotel is a major tourist attraction and there...
09.11.11 04:01
Cypriot smuggling ring smashed
Thanks buddy, You really did a great job. I will a...
11.10.11 15:49
New Red List Aimed to Protect ...
your website is good,think you verry much this web...
21.01.11 19:59