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Ref ID: 22523
Ref Type: Book Section
Authors: Vet, Kou
Takeshi, Nakagawa
Nobuo, Yamamoto
Title: Archaeological survey for restoration of the Angkor monuments inside the Angkor Thom City: case study on the excavation survey around the outside of the outer gallery in Bayon Complex, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Date: 2015
Source: Advancing Southeast Asian archaeology 2013: selected papers from the First SEAMEO SPAFA International Conference on Southeast Asian Archaeology
Place of Publication: Bangkok, Thailand
Publisher: SEAMEO SPAFA Regional Centre for Archaeology and Fine Arts
Abstract: Bayon temple is located in the centre of Angkor Thom and was believed to have been built at the end of 12th to early 13th century as the state temple of king Jayavarman VII. While being dedicated to Mahayana Buddhism, the temple served as a repository for Hindu deities as well. The temple and surrounding environment was first cleared and surveyed by EFEO (Ècole Francaise d'Extreme-Orient) in the early 20th century. Continuing in the spirit and tradition of EFEO, the JSA (Japanese Team for Safeguarding Angkor) completed excavation surveys on the Northern Library of the Bayon Temple in 1999. From 2007 to 2010, the JASA (APSARA-JAPAN Safeguarding Angkor) Project carried out excavation surveys on the Southern Library of the Bayon Temple before restoration of the library building. Moreover, from 2011 JASA Project conducted the field survey around the southern side at the outside of the Outer Gallery of the Bayon Complex, in 2011. The recent excavation surveys helped to further define the method of construction of the basic foundation and the materials used. Understanding the construction and materials has assisted in defining the process of degradation that ultimately leads to collapse of the monument. This recent research is only a small part of the ongoing efforts at the Bayon that contribute to the understanding of the archaeology of ancient monuments as well as providing insight for conservation, preservation and restoration of cultural heritage in the future.
Date Created: 1/20/2016
Editors: Tan, Noel Hidalgo
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