The Cambodian Ministry of Culture announced the successful restoration of a monumental ancient dancing Shiva statue that dates back a thousand years. This statue, which stands five meters tall and weighs seven tons, had been broken into more than 10,000 fragments due to destruction and looting during the civil war decades ago. The original statue comes from the ancient capital of Koh Ker in the Khmer Empire and its restoration marks a significant cultural revival for the country.

In 2023, the temple ruins of Koh Ker, where the statue was originally located, were added to UNESCO's World Heritage list. The restored dancing Shiva was unveiled on Wednesday evening at the Angkor Conservation Center in Siem Reap, near the world-renowned Angkor Wat temple complex. This event signifies not only the recovery of an important cultural artifact but also the dedication of Cambodian experts who collaborated with the École Française d'Extrême-Orient (EFEO) for five years to bring the artwork back to life.

According to statements from the Ministry of Culture, EFEO, and other reconstruction partners, the statue was toppled in the 14th century and was severely damaged by looters during the years of conflict. The restoration efforts are a testament to Cambodia's commitment to preserving its rich cultural heritage and highlights the importance of international cooperation in cultural preservation efforts.