The Fine Arts Department sent archaeologists to Dong Yai Wildlife Sanctuary in the northeastern province of Buri Ram after villagers, who were searching for mushrooms, said they saw a sculpture carved into a rock.
Based on the villagers' photos, the sculpture seems to show a woman holding a tree branch above her.
Pakpoom Yupon, head of Phanom Rung Historical Park, mentioned that the archaeologists, along with local officials, went to the site on Krajiew mountain to take pictures and document the sculpture, since the villagers had only captured photos from one angle.
He also stated that the team will examine the area around the sculpture to gather basic information for analysis, including its estimated age and the name of the female figure in the sculpture. “We intend to speak with local villagers to gather more information, such as when they first discovered the sculpture.”
He added that they do not have specific details about the exact location on the mountain where the sculpture was discovered.
Pakpoom mentioned that Non Din Daeng district, where the sculpture is situated, is an ancient historical location in Nong Hong sanctuary near Lam Nang Rong Dam.
“Previously, a lintel showing Yama, the God of Death, riding a buffalo, was illegally taken from the sanctuary. It was recovered from the Asia Art Museum in San Francisco in 2021 and returned to the site. The lintel is currently displayed in an exhibition room in Phanom Rung Historical Park,” he added.
