Khmer Sandstone Figure of a Female Deity

Her face radiates a cool serenity. Almond shaped eyes gaze out eternally from under a slightly arched and clearly defined brow. A prominent nose sits above her full lips, corners upturned in an enigmatic smile. Long, pendulous, pierced earlobes (now broken) indicate she may have originally been adorned with real jewelry. A high chignon comprised of finely braided tresses and secured by a braided band with a mango leaf shaped accent. This accent may originally have been carved with an image of the Buddha, which would have firmly identified this figure Prajnaparamita. However the rise of Hinduism during the ascendancy of the Baphuon may have necessitated a gentle re-carving to turn the Buddhist deity into a Hindu goddess.

The gentle curves of her bare neck and rounded breasts are sensuously accented with incised beauty lines. Her narrow waist and generous hips are highlighted by the finely pleated sampot, featuring the iconic “fishtail” panel. A sash tied with an intricate knot sits loose and low on her hips.