Field Activities for the Conservation and Sustainable Development of Ta Nei Temple in Angkor, Cambodia (Part XXI) – Practical Workshop and Preliminary Investigation for Conservation and Restoration of Cruciform Terrace in front of Central Complex
The Tokyo National Research Institute for Cultural Properties (TOBUNKEN) and the Authority for the Protection and Management of Angkor and the Region of Siem Reap (APSARA National Authority) in Cambodia is continuing the conduction of a preliminary survey for the restoration of the Cruciform Terrace in front of the Central Complex as part of a cooperative project at the Ta Nei Temple.
Our previous joint surveys revealed that some statues and components stored in the Angkor Conservation Office (ACO) in Siem Reap City include elements originally belonging to the Ta Nei Temple. As a part of our work, we documented the balustrade components originating from Ta Nei that are stored in ACO and those scattered around the Cruciform Terrace using digital 3D measurement, and attempted a trial assembly of the 3D models of those members in digital space. This trial was carried out as a “Practical Workshop for Restoration of Cruciform Terrace” on January 21 and 22, 2026, with around 20 participants from APSARA, ACO, Angkor National Museum, and the Department of Culture and Fine Arts of Siem Reap Province. During the two-day workshop, participants documented components of Naga balustrade using free 3D scanning apps downloaded to their own smartphones. Afterwards, while reviewing the generated 3D models in group discussions, we examined ways to assemble the components remaining in on-site locations together. A major achievement of this workshop was identifying the potential for connecting multiple components.
During the mission in January, excavations of two remaining belts around the Cruciform Terrace were conducted. Many roof tile fragments were unearthed during this work, and similarly as in previous surveys, we found that the roof tiles were distributed from the surface layer near the eastern front of the Rectangular Terrace connected to the Cruciform Terrace.
Additionally, an examination of the archaeological artifacts excavated in the previous surveys was carried out. Roofing members, such as ridge ornaments and convex eaves tiles were identified, and a variety of artifacts including baluster jars, typical Khmer ceramics, black-glazed pottery decorated with wavy incised lines, multiple imported ceramics, and more were confirmed. Future detailed examinations will further clarify the characteristics of artifacts excavated at Ta Nei Temple.