CAMBODIA, KHMER, BAKHENG PERIOD, 10TH CENTURY

This head displaying a wrathful expression is difficult to identify as a result of the existing damage, particularly as it lacks its body and hands which could once have held attributes. However it is very probably the head of a yaksha, displaying a demonic aspect with protruding eyes and fangs. These supernatural beings were originally associated with local spirits that inhabited plants and trees. Their figures can be found near temples for protection. A comparable head is published in P. Garnier, G. Nafilyan, J. and Ch. Cres, Khmer Art in Reserve, Marseille, 1997, p. 113. A complete though bronze example is illustrated by S.E. Lee Ancient Cambodian Sculpture, New York, 1969, pl. 14.