This work is a Temple guardian made of sandstone. It originated from Banteay Srei Temple, Siem Reap Province. In 1986, it was taken from there for safekeeping and registered in the collection of the National Museum of Cambodia. Khmer art experts have determined that it is in the Banteay Srei style, of the 10th century Angkorian period, under the reign of King Rajendrawarman from the year 944–968 CE.
This is a Yaksa guardian from the stairs of the northwest tower of Banteay Srei. It sits on a folded left leg, with the right knee raised on a square platform. Like other statues from this temple, it is made of pink sandstone and bears delicately carved elements. The body looks muscular to reflect the kind of physique a guardian is supposed to possess.
The head is adorned with a piled hairstyle, the face is round, the eyes are protruding, the nose is large, and the mouth is open to expose fangs as a demonstration of his power. The ears are long and have holes to hook earrings, but these are unfortunately lost. The guardian wears a Sampot Chang Kben, where it’s end at the back also serves as a stabilizing mechanism from behind. This sculpture is quite similar to other guardian statues originated from Banteay Srei Temple.