The Stone Conservation Unit (SCU) of the APSARA National Authority has restored the 24-meter-long Naga balustrade at the northeast corner of the first gallery of the Banteay Samre Temple, which was completed by the end of 2023. The project lasted for about six months, starting in mid-June 2023.
Mr. Long Nary, Head of the Stone Conservation Unit of the Department of Conservation of Monuments and Preventive Archaeology, said this restoration project was completed by the end of 2023. Mr. Long Nary added that the structure of the Naga balustrade of the Banteay Samre Temple was damaged because many stones collapsed, some fell to the ground, and some tilted unsteadily and fell to the floor.
Mr. Long Nary said that for six months, the team worked hard to collect the stone fragments of the Naga balustrade that were in place and find some other pieces that were moved to different locations to reassemble as far as possible. For some of the parts that could not be found, the team replaced them with new stones to keep the Naga balustrade strong again.
After the experts completed the restoration project of the Naga balustrade, it helped to restore the beauty of this temple as well as make it safe for tourists visiting Banteay Samre Temple. At the same time, the experts also urge all tourists not to sit or rely on this dilapidated ancient structure.
Article and Photos: Yi Sotha
