SIEM REAP: The APSARA National Authority's Stone Restoration and Conservation team has re-attached a piece of ivory stone to the middle head of the three-headed elephant sculpture at the southeast corner of the Takav Gate.

According to the Technical Officer for Stone Restoration and Conservation, Mom Sophon, the team found two pieces of ivory stone while excavating and clearing the area around Takav Gate. Among the two pieces, only one was found fully formed, hence, the team was able to determine the exact location where it should be reattached – on the middle head of the three-headed elephant sculpture at the southeast corner of the gate. The second piece of ivory stone is not fully formed so the team are unable to identify its exact location of origin.

The technical officer said that reconnecting this piece of ivory stone to the original sculpture finally allows national and international tourists to see the full shape of the three-headed elephant sculpture carved by Khmer ancestors, helping to further restore Cambodia’s art history.

Takav Gate is one of the five gates of Angkor Thom, located to the west of Bayon Temple. After the gate renovation process is completed, more national and international tourists are expected to visit to see the newly preserved sculptures and carvings.