Project

« Back

TA SOM TEMPLE

Structural stabilization and site improvements at a Khmer temple

Angkor, Siem Reap Province, Cambodia

WMF Program:
Capacity Building, Field Project
Keywords:
Angkor, archaeological site, site conservation, UNESCO World Heritage Site
Site Types:
Archaeological, Sacred

BACKGROUND

The Khmer temple of Ta Som, located at the eastern end of the Northern Baray at Angkor, was built at the end of the 12th century during the reign of the powerful Buddhist King Jayavarman VII. Little is known of the history and purpose of Ta Som. It was likely dedicated to Jayavarman VII’s father, although some have speculated that it may have been dedicated to one of his teachers. (...)

+ More

HOW WE HELPED

WMF began conservation work at Ta Som in 1998. Over the past decade, work at Ta Som has trained Khmer workers and conservators on the job and their work has made all four of the Temple’s entrances accessible to the public. Four towers have been stabilized and debris has been removed. (...)

+ More

WHY IT MATTERS

Today Ta Som is one of many temples that can be visited at Angkor. Both outer entrance gopuras of Ta Som are good examples of well preserved towers depicting Avalokiteshvara (the bodhisattva of compassion); with its tower structure enveloped by a large Ficus tree, it’s easy to understand how nature and buildings can be hard to separate throughout Ankor Archaeological Park. (...)