A sandstone standing figure, pre-Angkor period, 7th century, Cambodia

It is possible that this female figure represents a Hindu goddess since the body and clothing closely resembles a standing deity found in the Kratie Province of Cambodia, and now in the National Museum of Phnom Penh's Collection; however, being without arms and hand-held attributes, it is not possible to know her identity. It is also likely that she came from a city called Sambour Prei Kuk - in which the remains of 269 temples have been discovered.

She is dressed in a sampot that clings to her legs, revealing their shape. This garment is gathered in folds at the front - rising slightly beneath the navel; it is held in place, around the hips, by a wide and ornately carved belt. The figure is voluptuous and sensuous, and the sandstone smooth and polished.

Height: 29 ½”

Provenance: Wolfgang, Konstanz

Similar example: '30,000 Years of Art: The story of human creativity across time and space' published by Phaidon Press Limited, 2007 - page 410. The standing goddess is also illustrated in 'Angkor' Splendeurs de l'Art Khmer, by Marilia Albanese, Editions Grund, 2002.