CAMBODIA : Reconstruction of the Southern Gate of Ta Prohm Temple involves collaborative efforts

The collapsed Southern Gate of Ta Prohm is being restored using Anastylosis, with 95% of original stones reinstated. (Photo by Southeast Asian Archaeology)

Siem Reap - The Southern Gate of Ta Prohm Temple, which completely collapsed several years ago, is currently undergoing an extensive restoration. This effort is the result of a partnership between the Apsara National Authority (ANA) and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), allowing the gate to gradually regain its original form.

The restoration began in mid-year, concentrating on reinforcing the gate’s foundations and structure after a year-long study by experts on stone dismantling techniques, particularly using the Anastylosis method.

Chitranjan Kumar, head of the Ta Prohm restoration project, explained that since early last year, the team has been carefully dismantling the fallen stones around the gate. They’ve been identifying stones that have shifted from their original locations to reassemble them accurately.

This process involves repairing damaged or broken stones, conducting archaeological excavations, and performing soil tests. By June this year, the team had successfully repaired and reinforced the gate’s foundations and some surrounding walls, following specific patterns. Impressively, around 95% of the original stones have been found and restored to their proper places.

Kumar stressed that the restoration strictly follows the guidelines of the International Coordinating Committee for the Safeguarding and Development of the Historic Sites of Angkor and Sambor Prei Kuk (ICC-Angkor/Sambor Prei Kuk).

Reference

Khmer Times. (2023, September 18). Restoration of the Southern Gate of Ta Prohm Temple. https://www.khmertimeskh.com/501563125/restoration-of-the-southern-gate-of-ta-prohm-temple/