MID-11TH CENTURY

During the Baphuon period, covering most of the eleventh century, free standing stone sculptures tended to become more elongated, even elegant and sensual, compared to previous and future stylistic phases. This superb carved female deity testify to this new development. Her neck is incised with beauty folds, firm breasts which are carved close together which is a sign of youth and a slender waist accentuated by the high ending skirt contrasting to her broad shoulders and hips. In general the Baphuon stone deities are carved with a slight smile playing around their lips which is not to be found with the presented example. Actually her accentuated, curving eyebrows, severe facial expression suggest that she is perhaps not representing Uma or Lakshmi, but more probably Durga, who was also worshipped during the eleventh century.