 |
Angkor Wat: Heavenly Dancers
|
| |
|
Angkor Wat: Heavenly Dancers
CAMBODIA, Siem Reap, Angkor; Dated 1131–1151; Limestone; H: 60 cm; Guimet Museum of Asian Art, Paris, France
This relief originally decorated the architecture at Angkor Wat. A common Cambodian style of sculpture is carving large numbers of identical figures. The heavenly dancers depicted are apsaras who have the power of flight and are known for their skill as musicians and dancers. The graceful maidens dance in a row with head tilted to one side, hands held aloft and one foot raised. Their plaited hair is crowned and a jeweled ornament divides beneath their breasts. They also wear ornate belts over a short skirt that hangs in a rhythmic shape and contributes to the dynamic pattern of the artwork. |
