The Bayon, view of the central tower from the south second enclosure

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The object depicted in the image is made of the following material(s): sandstone

Information about the creation of the object depicted in the image: 1200 to late 13th century

Information about the restoration of the object depicted in the image: 1933-39, 1946-96

Jayavarman VII’s (1181-c.1220) state temple, set at the heart of the capital city of Angkor Thom, was never completed, and interpretations of the face towers vary. Most believe the faces to be representations of Lokesvara or Avalokitesvara, the bodhisattva of compassion, due to the Buddhist orientation of Jayavarman VII’s reign. Because the temple passed through different architectural and religious phases, it has also been surmised that the towers represent Brahma, the four-headed god from the Hindu pantheon. The Bayon contains elaborate bas-reliefs depicting scenes from history, Hindu mythology, and daily life.

Source for information about the object depicted in the image: Jessup, Helen Ibbitson. Art and Architecture of Cambodia. London: Thames & Hudson, 2004. Freeman M. and C. Jacques. Ancient Angkor. London: Thames and Hudson, 1999.

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