This is a sandstone statue of Garuda. It originated from Prasat Thom, Koh Ker in Preah Vihear Province. According to its decoration and carving patterns, this statue is in the Koh Ker style of the first half of the 10th century Angkorian era, during the reign of King Jayavarman IV from the year 921 to 941 CE. Garuda is the main vehicle of Vishnu, one of the three principle deities in Brahmanism. In the legends, Garuda played a central role in the conflict between good and evil, as described in the Ramayana.
In Khmer art, Garuda has been prominently highlighted as a popular statue and the Koh Ker style mark this evolution. In adopting this style, artists carved individual Garuda statues to depict scenes where Garuda served as a vehicle for Vishnu. This large statue is adorned with jewelry. He wears a diadem and chignon. The eyes are wide open and rest under curving eyebrows that connect with a beard.
The Garuda has a short beak with the mustache above it. Interestingly, there is a jaw to make him appear more human. In addition to his two wings, Garuda also has two human arms that are covered with jewelries. He also wears two chains across his chest. Below the abdomen is what maybe be described as a fur skirt in the V-shaped. It scratches all the way to the base to support the entire body weight of the statue, both toes have claws. By sculpting the leg left in a forward position, the artists wish to portray Garuda in motion.
In the Koh Ker style, temple builders always sculpted Garuda and Naga statues standing guard at the entrances religious building.