Guardian Lion at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York

myminifactory

Human figures of guardian lions stood watch at the main entrances to most Khmer temples, also lining stairways and terraces. The lion, a potent symbol of royalty, strength, and courage, served as the personal emblem of the Khmer kings, who were revered as gods. As guardians of the sacred precinct, these lions implied their ability to protect against evil forces through both divine and royal authority.