Situated near Siem Reap city, the team from the APSARA National Authority and the Archaeological Survey of India initiated the project to recover valuable artifacts scattered throughout the complex, with the aim of preserving Cambodian art and heritage.
“It was a big surprise when we unearthed this sculpture,” archaeologist Neth Simon told The Independent, as only small fragments had been previously unearthed.
The torso was located approximately 164 feet from the location of the head, which was already discovered and is currently housed in a museum.
Pending approval, the team plans to reassemble the priceless votive, which exhibits unique characteristics previously unseen by archaeologists, from Cambodia’s rich history.