A prasat in sight of Phnom Chi
The brick temple of Prasat Trapeang Preus is likely to date from the late 9th or early 10th century and reminded me of some of the large brick temples that can be found on the summit of Phnom Kulen. It's secluded forest setting, a long way from any village, had not deterred the temple thieves that had robbed the site of nearly all of its carvings.
The forest track leading into Prasat Trapeang Preus
The west face of the central tower at Prasat Trapeang Preus - this tower had what looked to be flying palaces above the doorways but they were hard to distinquish
Just two sides of the central tower remain standing
This floral design was part of a lintel and is located in the northern tower
The northern tower held some carvings and an inscription stone with two lines of script
This decorated piece of colonette doubles up as a shrine, inside the northern tower
The forest track leading into Prasat Trapeang Preus
The west face of the central tower at Prasat Trapeang Preus - this tower had what looked to be flying palaces above the doorways but they were hard to distinquish
Just two sides of the central tower remain standing
This floral design was part of a lintel and is located in the northern tower
The northern tower held some carvings and an inscription stone with two lines of script
This decorated piece of colonette doubles up as a shrine, inside the northern tower
posted by Andy Brouwer at
11:05 PM
3 Comments:
Hi, Andy - I have been in Phnom Da, in Angkor Borei, and noticed that the base of the prasat there is blackened, like Prasat Trapeang Preus in the photo. What is that? was it fire? - Rachel (Englewood Cliffs, NJ)
Hi Rachel,
well I've asked that question in the past and been told two versions. one is that the undergrowth is often burned away at the temple sites and the blackening is caused by that.
a more 'expert' opinion was given to me by someone who should know and they said its the brick or stone over a long period of time goes through oxydization and can turn black as a result. I argued if that was so why didn't the whole prasat turn black and they said it was a gradual process and could take a few more hundred years.
If anyone else has any ideas, feel free to chip in.
Thanks Rachel, good question.
Andy
Thanks Andy - I love your blog and read it everyday, exchanging impressions with a friend who'd been with me to Cambodia. Of course, both of us look fwd to read your new guide. Knowing your good spirits and enthusiasm, there couldn't possibly be a better title to it than 'To Cambodia with love'!!! Wish you luck in your wanderings - Rachel
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