The Giant Garuda of Koh Ker

• Height (cm): 216.5 cm. Sandstone
• 10th century
• Provenance: Prasat Thom, Koh Ker, Preah Vihear Province
• Location: National Museum of Cambodia, Koh Ker Collection, Phnom Penh
• Catalogue Number: NMC Inventory Ka.1737
• Status: Uncontested
• Photo credits: © Andy Brouwer

When you walk through the entrance doors to the National Museum in Phnom Penh, you cannot fail to see the dramatic and imposing giant Garuda from Koh Ker. It’s one of the most remarkable pieces of art in Khmer history and represents the monumental and dynamic energy emanating from the 10th century capital of Koh Ker under King Jayavarman IV. The Koh Ker-era was miniscule in terms of the lengthy Angkor timeline – just twenty-plus years – but the wealth of innovative and powerful sculptures have withstood the test of time and deserve attention and recognition. Fittingly, the museum is focusing on their Koh Ker collection to celebrate their centenary.

Garuda is a half-man, half-eagle vehicle for the Hindu god Vishnu. As a symbol of supremacy, this striding bird-king demonstrates the harmony between power (in its forceful stride) and grace (the slender torso that balances the upraised arms and wings), creating a magical figure of strength and heroism. He is the sworn enemy of the Naga serpent. His image encompasses a large beak, bulging eyes, two strong paws, open wings, a tail and a human body with two arms. The body is adorned with jewelry, bracelets and armbands, the legs are covered with feathers, as are the wings and central pleat, which combined with the legs, acts as the support for this gigantic figure. Remarkably, the right hand indicates the direction of your museum visit, while the left hand blocks any desire to turn right.

The liveliness of this image is complemented by numerous other sculptures from Koh Ker, whether it be the giant wrestling apes or the vigorous athletic warriors, which are also part of the museum’s Koh Ker collection. The sculpture’s home was in the area known as Prasat Thom, just in front of the royal city’s symbolic pyramid, and poised behind Naga balustrades, as if in dynamic pursuit of its traditional foe. There may’ve been four of these enormous statues, but only this one remains intact. It’s no less than seven feet tall and more than six and a half feet wide, and a great example of the expertise of the stone craftsmen of the second quarter of the 10th century.