​Shiva Ardhanarishvara (“God is a Half-Woman”), I

• Height (cm): 79. Sandstone
• Late 12^th- early 13^th century
• Provenance: Prasat Trapeang Srangae, Roluos Group, Siem Reap Province
• Location: National Museum of Cambodia, Phnom Penh
• Catalogue Number: NMC Inventory Ka.1847
• Status: On display
• Photo credits: Andy Brouwer

Another rare exhibit from the National Museum in Phnom Penh is the androgynous portrayal of the god Shiva known as Ardhanarishvara, or ​‘God who is half-woman’. This half-male and half-female figure symbolizes the harmony and unity of opposites, with the left side associated with the heart and feminine attributes such as intuition and creativity, while the right side is akin to the brain and masculine traits such as valour. This sculpture was located at Prasat Trapeang Srangae, which is squeezed in between the temples of Bakong and Preah Ko in the Roluos Group. Maurice Glaize was in charge of the restoration of Bakong until 1943 and this exhibit was pictured by EFEO for the first time in 1945. 

The right side representing the male Shiva side, is shown wearing a short fishtail sampot, a short Khmer beard and an earring. The left female side (it may represent Shiva’s wife Parvati or Uma) is clean shaven, has a breast but no earring and has a slightly longer sampot. The figure has the usual Bayon-style sturdy legs. Since the EFEO photographs taken in 1945, the exhibit, which is just under three feet in height, has sadly lost its right hand which held a small trident.

Tags: Shiva, Ardhanarishvara, Bayon Style, androgyny, Khmer sculpture, museums, NMC