This is a sandstone statue of Kalkin or Vajimukha. It originated from Neang Khmao Temple in Takeo Province. In 1923, the body was taken for safekeeping to the National Museum of Cambodia.
The head was missing, but 73 years later, in 1996, the head was discovered during the construction of a new building within the Wat. The management committee immediately represented to the National Museum. As the result, the head and body were reunited. Experts have studied the characteristics of this statue, and determined that it is in the Koh Ker style, from the first half of the 10th century of the Angkorian period, when King Jayavaraman IV held the throne from year 921 to 941 CE.
This statue consisting of a human body with a horse head represents one of the many avatars of Vishnu. Kalkin or Vajimukha, which has a horse head and a human body, who show up only at the end of the epic. He also had another name, Hayagriva, who was the one to help savage the four magic sacred scrips from giants or Yaksa.
The statue is adorned an elegant crown, a finely pleated Sampot, and the belt that has twin fishtail ends dangling in front. Although the sculptured has lose both hands, the statue still reflect the beauty and delicate style of Koh Ker era.