“This is a sandstone inscription. It was originated from Tuol Neakta Bak Kor, in Dangkor district Phnom Penh. It was registered as the collection of the National Museum of Cambodia in 1948. Generally, there were two kinds of languages used in the stone inscriptions: Sanskrit and ancient Khmer alphabets.
Sanskrit was often used in the form of poem to pay homage to deities. In contrast the ancient Khmer letters was used to compose texts about daily life, the king, high-ranking officials making offerings of daily household items or servants and more.
Letters used in the inscriptions took different forms according to the era they were created. In some cases, inscription has dates marked on them which allow researcher to pinpoint the period which they belong. Inscriptions stone have been a major sources information regarding the history of Cambodia. In the case of this object, it has been engraving of Preah Ko the name of sacred bull resting on lotus flower.
Preah Ko was a vehicle of Shiva. But here it also a symbol of Shiva himself. Right below his image, there are engraving of ancient Khmer writing in 11 vowels. It is unclear when the text was written, but the shape of the letters suggested that it was carved in pre-Angkorian period 7th or 8th century. Usually inscription stone convey information and stories offering the picture about life and ancient times.
In this work, the inscribe text speaks of an order, which apparently a person of high social status issue for salt to be supplied to workers who are building the monument that dedicated to Shiva./.”