11th or 12th century lintel from Prasat Ban Bu Yai, Korat.
Nakhon Ratchasima: At this archaeological site in the northeastern province of Prasat Ban Bu Yai, four stone lintels carved in the ancient Khmer style, dating to the 11th or 12th century, were found.
Rakchart Kiriwattanasak, chairman of the District 10 Art Office in Nakhon Ratchasima, said a stone lintel with Hindu mythological scenes was found in archaeological excavations at Prasat Ban Bu Yai and is being restored at tambon Sung Noen, Sung Noen district. Nakhon Ratchasima Provincial Administrative Organization Committee.
Mr Lacchart said on Friday the rocks were found scattered around the site.
The Tenth District Fine Arts Office will turn the stone temple into a tourist attraction, he said.
Prasat Ban Bu Yai was originally a Hindu temple in ancient Khmer culture. Constructed of sandstone, some architectural features such as lintels, door frames and tympanums (triangular ornamental walls) are carved with ornamental patterns.
Judging from the artistic style of sandstone carvings, this Hindu temple was built in the 11th or 12th century in the style of Bafang and Angkor Wat.
Mr Rackchart said archaeologists had found all four stone lintels installed above the gate, but only one remained intact. The full lintel depicts a mythical lion holding a long wreath.
Before the archaeological excavation, it was found that the tomb robbers dug up various valuables, including various metal artifacts and small bronze Buddha statues.
“This is a theft of our national treasure. I will ask the looters to return all the items they took instead of selling these artifacts on foreign markets,” Mr Lacchart said.
