AKP Siem Reap, March 19, 2026 —

The monumental Shiva Nataraja (Dancing Shiva) statue, a masterpiece of the Koh Ker style, has been successfully restored to its full form after more than five years of meticulous conservation work, and was officially unveiled at the Angkor Conservation in Siem Reap on the evening of Mar. 18, 2026.

The unveiling ceremony was presided over by H.E. Dr. Phoeurng Sackona, Minister of Culture and Fine Arts, and opened to the public for viewing and study of this remarkable cultural heritage.

Originating from Prasat Krahom in the Koh Ker temple complex, the statue dates back to the 10th century and is considered the largest Shiva Nataraja statue in Cambodia and across Southeast Asia. Standing five meters tall, the statue features five faces and ten arms, reflecting the richness and sophistication of ancient Khmer artistry.

The statue had been fragmented into more than 10,000 pieces during the civil war due to destruction and looting. Efforts to restore it began in 2012, with the collection and cataloguing of fragments. Over the past five years, experts have carefully reassembled the pieces under strict technical and conservation standards to ensure both authenticity and long-term stability.

The restoration project was carried out through cooperation between the National Authority for Preah Vihear and the École française d’Extrême-Orient (EFEO), with support from the APSARA National Authority, Angkor Conservation, and financial assistance from the ALIPH Foundation.

Speaking at the event, H.E. Dr. Phoeurng Sackona praised the dedication of the experts involved, noting that the restoration represents not only the revival of a priceless artifact, but also a reconnection of Cambodia’s glorious past with the present.

According to the Ministry, the statue is planned to be relocated to its original site at Koh Ker, where it will serve both as a sacred object of worship and as a key attraction to draw more visitors to the UNESCO World Heritage site.

By C. Nika