Torso of a Male Divinity

1010-1080

The ancient kings of Cambodia were considered earthly manifestations of either Hindu or Buddhist deities, so icons enshrined in temples represented both god and king. Without its head or hands, the identity of this torso remains unclear, but the way that its wrapped skirt follows the contours of the waist indicates that it was carved under the patronage of Udayadityavarman II (reigned 1050–66), who was associated with the Hindu god Shiva.