Posted on 05/19/2020 9:35:24 AM PDT by SunkenCiv
Cambodian archaeologists have unearthed a large centuries-old statue of a turtle in an excavation at the famous Angkor temple complex in the country's northwest.
The 56-by-93 centimeter (22-by-37 inch) carved stone turtle believed to date from the 10th century was discovered Wednesday during digging at what was the site of a small temple that had been built on Srah Srang, one of Angkor's several reservoirs.
Researchers pinpointed where the temple had been and workers drained water off to enable the dig, which began March 16, said Mao Sokny, head of the excavation team of the Apsara Authority, a government agency that oversees the Angkor archaeological site.
The bottom half of the turtle remained buried Thursday while preparations were being made to lift it out without damaging it.
Angkor was strongly influenced by Hindu culture, and as a result, when a temple or other important structure was built, sacred objects would often be buried in the ground underneath as a gesture to ensure safety and good fortune. In several Asian cultures, turtles are seen as symbols of longevity and prosperity.
The dig also discovered some other rare artifacts, including two metal tridents and a carved head of a naga, a mythical creature.
The Angkor complex is Cambodia's biggest tourist attractions, as well as a UNESCO World Heritage site and a symbol of national pride that is emblazoned on the Cambodian flag.
Mao Sokny said discoveries of such artifacts help Cambodians take pride in their heritage.
(Excerpt) Read more at aol.com ...
Cambodian archaeologists have unearthed a large centuries-old statue of a turtle in an excavation at the famous Angkor temple complex in the country's northwest. The 56-by-93 centimeter (22-by-37 inch) carved stone turtle believed to date from the 10th century was discovered Wed. pic.twitter.com/aW3QJsN4ap -- Sopheng Cheang (@SophengCheang) May 7, 2020
Thanks MarvinStinson, finally got around to my saved messages.
Who knew Mitch McConnel was popular in Cambodia?
Its a Klingon head! Its a Klingon head!
I knew it!
I.....just.....knew.....it!
Wat is that?
U beat me to it! I was going to point out the ‘family resemblance’. Go Mitch!
Do you think removing the totem will release Gamera? Not really out of line considering how 2020 has gone so far.
Interesting design on it’s shell. looks like an escape hatch....
I like turdles
that isn’t a turtle, that is a first attempt at a submarine- made of stone- didn’t work so well- first voyage out to sea ended in failure- they left the escape hatch open
I have been to Angkor. If there is any way for you to get there, you should go. It is breathtaking.
A naga is a mermaid for all you ‘Sirens’ fans
That is soooo obviously a Mine Turtle.
And, when it’s disarmed, I betcha they find Motorola chips in it.
That company did sell 10s of thousands of chips back in the day expressly for use in the land mines that Chinacommscum were supplying to the Reds in Cambodia to use.
Fear the turtle!
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.