“This is a Snanadroni or Yoni made of schist. It originated in the Phnom Da region, Angkor Borey District and Takeo Province. According to experts, this sculpture is in the Phnom Da style, of 6th or 7th century, A Pre-Angkorian period, marked by the rule of King Rudrawarman. The object symbolizes a medium of life or a support platform for a Linga. In Sanskrit, it is called Snanadroni. The Yoni is always associated with a Linga that represents male energy behind the creation of the universe. Both Yoni and Linga play equally important roles in the creation of the universe.
The Linga represents Shiva, who is the deity with the power to create, preserve, and destroy the universe. Shiva destroys all kind of evils. There are two types of Linga: the symbol one created by human and the natural one called Svayambhu-linga. It is a natural rock that sometimes emerges from the ground, often larger size. This kind of Linga can be found at Wat Phu in Laos and at Phnom Thmor Dos at Phnom Tamao, Takeo Province.
Most Yoni in the collection at the National Museum of Cambodia are made of schist as in this case. Each one of them has a rectangular shape, a channel for releasing sacred water, and a round or rectangular hole in the middle for fitting and supporting the Linga. Yoni tends to be rectangular shape that represent Uma, the consort of Shiva. But this item in the collection at the National Museum has the shaped of a buffalo head.
This confirms that the status on this Yoni related to the iconography of Duga Mahisa Suramardini in which Duga with her strength kill the powerful buffalo demon. The object is also demonstration of the mastery of Khmer artists and their talent sculpting this Yoni in the shape of a buffalo.”