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Lot Essay
This extremely rare and large stele depicts an androgynous image composed of a half-male and half-female body. The right side shows the male component with the face framed by a moustache and a beard while the female part demonstrates a prominent breast. No other examples of this kind seem to have been published. It remains difficult to ascertain their correct iconographic name. Unfortunately, the attributes are also broken and damaged, which does not help to further identify them.
The date of its creation can be placed in the Koh Ker period. It is known that this period saw interesting and innovative developments in architecture and also iconography intended for temple shrines. This sculpture fits well in such an innovative tradition. The Koh Ker rulers adhered to the Hindu religion, especially the Shaiva sect. As a consequence, this particularly composed deity most likely has a Hindu background. Yet, the presented figure cannot be identified as Shiva and Parvati as Ardhanarishvara. Shiva’s forehead would have the third eye and his hair should be combed in the matted hair lock style or jatamakuta. Vishnu and Lakshmi would wear the depicted crown or kiritamakuta. Although in known non-Khmer examples, they could be standing and have multiple arms. However, it is not to be excluded that this fine and enigmatic sculpture represents the androgynous form of Vishnu and Lakshmi. Otherwise, the sculpture could depict a royal couple who identified themselves with the god of Preservation and his consort.
A technical report is available on request.
The date of its creation can be placed in the Koh Ker period. It is known that this period saw interesting and innovative developments in architecture and also iconography intended for temple shrines. This sculpture fits well in such an innovative tradition. The Koh Ker rulers adhered to the Hindu religion, especially the Shaiva sect. As a consequence, this particularly composed deity most likely has a Hindu background. Yet, the presented figure cannot be identified as Shiva and Parvati as Ardhanarishvara. Shiva’s forehead would have the third eye and his hair should be combed in the matted hair lock style or jatamakuta. Vishnu and Lakshmi would wear the depicted crown or kiritamakuta. Although in known non-Khmer examples, they could be standing and have multiple arms. However, it is not to be excluded that this fine and enigmatic sculpture represents the androgynous form of Vishnu and Lakshmi. Otherwise, the sculpture could depict a royal couple who identified themselves with the god of Preservation and his consort.
A technical report is available on request.