Synopsis: Work to repair a crumbling sanctuary reveals hidden burial objects and historic artefacts.
Cultural heritage specialists carrying out restoration work at a deteriorating ancient temple in Prey Veng province have discovered six metal Buddha statues, several vessels and human bone fragments.
Preliminary assessments suggest the antiquities discovered at Prasat Prey Doeum Srok may date to the 17th century, though specialists are examining the artefacts to verify their origins and exact period.
Prey Veng Provincial Department of Culture and Fine Arts Director Ouk Serey Vuth said Tuesday that specialists uncovered the objects while inspecting the temple’s foundations ahead of structural reinforcement work.
“The objects were found at the base of the foundations and subsequently transferred to the National Museum of Cambodia for further examination and research,” Vuth said, adding that the site was undergoing work to prevent further subsidence.
Regarding the placement of the statues alongside bone fragments, Vuth said the arrangement points to historical funerary traditions.
“The discovery might be associated with burial practices of the period, when human remains may have been buried alongside religious objects,” Vuth said. “However, investigation is needed to establish the context and significance of the discovery.”
Located in Sithor Kandal district about 38 kilometres from the provincial capital, Prasat Prey Doeum Srok is a square brick structure built on a mound. Architectural research indicates the original temple was constructed between the mid-7th and early 8th centuries, with additions made in the late 10th or early 11th centuries.
An ancient inscription recovered from the site in 1959, catalogued as K.761 and dated to AD 633, is preserved at the National Museum.
Vuth said Prey Veng province contains numerous ancient sites that require formal registration and archaeological study.
“Several sites have yet to be comprehensively studied or officially registered, indicating further potential for archaeological research in the province,” Vuth said.
Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts records a list of more than 1,350 ancient mounds and nine degraded temple foundations across Prey Veng province.
Officials said the latest find will provide fresh insights into historical religious practices and later periods of temple use in eastern Cambodia.
