Summary
-Dimensions: Height 81 CM (incl. stand), 70 CM (excl. stand)
Part I: General
Introduction
The Khmer Empire, one of the most powerful and influential civilizations in Southeast Asian history, left behind an extraordinary artistic and architectural legacy. Among the treasures of Khmer art is a sandstone figure of Uma, a mesmerizing sculpture that embodies the elegance, spirituality, and craftsmanship of the Angkor period. This particular figure, sculpted in the Baphuon style, stands 70 cm tall (81 cm including the stand) and weighs 17.1 kg. Sold at auction on December 17, 2024, for €5,200, its current whereabouts remain unknown, adding an air of mystery to its already fascinating history.
Uma: The Divine Feminine in Khmer Art
Uma, also known as Parvati in Hindu tradition, is the consort of Shiva and represents power, devotion, and fertility. In Khmer iconography, she is often depicted as a graceful yet powerful deity, sometimes appearing alongside Shiva in family triads or as an independent goddess embodying feminine energy.
The Khmer Empire, especially during the Angkor period (9th–15th century CE), was deeply influenced by Hindu and Buddhist beliefs, with temples and sculptures dedicated to deities like Vishnu, Shiva, and Uma. These religious influences were not just spiritual but also political, as Khmer rulers often associated themselves with divine figures to legitimize their reign. Uma, as the goddess of strength and maternal power, symbolized the stability and prosperity of the kingdom.
Artistic Excellence: The Baphuon Style
The sculpture of Uma belongs to the Baphuon style, which flourished during the 11th century under King Udayadityavarman II (r. 1050–1066 CE). This style, named after the grand Baphuon temple in Angkor, is characterized by:
- Refined elegance: The figure exhibits a slender and well-proportioned body, emphasizing grace and divine beauty.
- Soft modeling of the torso: The smooth contours of the body reflect a delicate approach to sculpting, creating a sense of movement and fluidity.
- Elaborate drapery: The goddess wears a beautifully pleated sampot (traditional Khmer garment), with symmetrical folds that cascade down her body.
- Serene expression: Despite the loss of her arms, Uma’s calm and composed facial expression conveys a sense of divine tranquility and spiritual strength.
The Baphuon style marks a transition in Khmer sculpture, blending earlier Indian influences with uniquely Khmer aesthetics. Compared to earlier Kulen and Preah Ko styles, Baphuon figures display a more naturalistic and refined approach, with greater attention to the depiction of textiles and facial details.
A Sculpture Shrouded in Mystery
The Uma figure was sold on December 17, 2024, fetching a price of €5,200 at auction. However, after this sale, no information is available about its current location. It is unknown whether it now resides in a private collection, a museum, or has disappeared into obscurity.
The disappearance of Khmer artifacts is not uncommon. Due to Cambodia’s turbulent history, particularly during the Khmer Rouge regime (1975–1979), countless priceless sculptures and temple relics were looted and sold on the black market. Many of these artifacts ended up in international auction houses, where they were acquired by collectors with little documentation of their provenance.
The Issue of Lost Khmer Artifacts
The mystery surrounding this Uma figure is part of a broader issue facing Cambodian heritage. Thousands of Khmer sculptures, including significant religious and cultural artifacts, have been taken from Cambodia and dispersed across the globe. While some reside in prestigious museums, others have been lost to private collections, making them inaccessible to scholars and the Cambodian people.
In recent years, efforts have been made to repatriate lost Khmer artifacts. The Cambodian government, with support from UNESCO and various art institutions, has successfully reclaimed several important pieces, including a massive Harihara statue from the Denver Art Museum and several looted sculptures from European and American collections.
However, the fate of many Khmer treasures remains uncertain, and each lost sculpture represents a missing piece of Cambodia’s cultural history. The sale of this Uma statue in 2024 raises questions about the provenance of such artifacts and the need for greater transparency in the art market.
Preserving Cambodia’s Artistic Heritage
The international demand for Khmer antiquities highlights the need for ethical considerations in the trade and display of these artifacts. Museums and collectors must ensure that Khmer sculptures, including the lost Uma figure, are properly documented, legally acquired, and, when possible, returned to Cambodia.
Efforts to protect Khmer heritage include:
- Repatriation Initiatives – Organizations such as UNESCO and the Cambodian Ministry of Culture actively work to track and return looted artifacts.
- Legal Measures – The Cambodian government has strengthened laws to prevent illegal exports of cultural artifacts.
- Digital Documentation – Scholars and archaeologists are working to digitally record and archive Khmer sculptures, ensuring that even lost artifacts are preserved in some form.
- Public Awareness – The more people learn about the importance of Khmer heritage, the greater the chance of recovering lost artifacts.
Conclusion: A Lost Treasure Waiting to be Found
The Khmer sandstone figure of Uma stands as a testament to the artistic brilliance of the Angkor period and the spiritual depth of Khmer culture. Its graceful form, intricate detailing, and serene expression embody the ideals of divine femininity and Khmer artistic excellence. Yet, despite its historical and cultural significance, its current location remains unknown, making it one of many lost treasures of Cambodia.
As interest in Khmer antiquities continues to grow, so does the responsibility to ensure that these priceless pieces are preserved, studied, and, when possible, returned to their rightful home. The story of this Uma figure is not just one of beauty and history but also a reminder of the ongoing challenges in safeguarding Cambodia’s cultural heritage.
Until it resurfaces, this sculpture remains a mystery, an artifact lost in time, waiting for its rightful place in history to be restored.
Part II: Unique Features of the Khmer Sandstone Figure of Uma
This exquisite Khmer sandstone figure of Uma is a rare example of Baphuon-style craftsmanship, showcasing unique artistic details that distinguish it from other Khmer sculptures. From its carving technique to its posture and stand, every aspect of the statue reflects the mastery of Khmer artisans from the Angkor period.
1. Exceptional Carving and Detail
The carving of this Uma figure demonstrates an advanced level of craftsmanship, characteristic of the Baphuon style (11th century CE). Some unique aspects include:
- Graceful Proportions – The figure has a slender, elongated body with a smooth, naturalistic rendering of the torso. The soft curves and delicate waistline emphasize elegance and divine femininity.
- Facial Features – The face exhibits the serene, meditative expression typical of Khmer sculpture, with gently arched eyebrows, full lips, and a slight smile that conveys divine tranquility.
- Hair Arrangement – Uma’s hair is styled in a high chignon, a signature feature of Baphuon sculptures, with intricate braiding and detailing to emphasize her royal and divine status.
- Sampot Drapery – The lower half of the figure is adorned with a finely carved sampot (Khmer garment) that cascades in vertical pleats. The detailing in the folds creates a sense of movement, highlighting the sculptor’s ability to work stone into fabric-like textures. The sampot is secured with a decorative waistband, adding an extra layer of refinement.
2. Poised and Balanced Posture
- The figure stands in a perfectly upright posture, with slight contrapposto, where the weight subtly shifts onto one leg. This positioning gives the sculpture a natural, lifelike presence.
- Despite the loss of her arms, the remaining stumps indicate a dynamic posture, suggesting that her hands may have originally held symbolic objects or been in a graceful mudra (gesture).
- The slight curve in the torso and hips enhances the visual balance of the sculpture, making it both dynamic and harmonious.
3. Unique Stand and Display Features
Unlike many ancient Khmer statues that are displayed without a base, this Uma figure includes a custom-designed modern stand that provides stability while maintaining the statue’s original aesthetic. Unique aspects of the stand include:
- Minimalist Black Base – The stand is designed to contrast with the sandstone, ensuring that attention remains focused on the sculpture itself.
- Support Mechanism – The statue is elevated slightly above the base, allowing light to pass through and enhancing the visual impact of the flowing sampot.
- Protective Mounting – The stand likely uses discreet metal reinforcements to prevent further damage and maintain the figure’s integrity.
Conclusion
This Khmer sandstone figure of Uma stands out due to its graceful proportions, intricate carvings, elegant sampot drapery, and serene facial expression. The use of a modern minimalist stand enhances its display, ensuring that it remains a striking example of Khmer artistic mastery. These unique features make it a true lost treasure, a masterpiece awaiting rediscovery.
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