Guardian Lion, late 12th-early 13th century

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The Guardian Lion, dating back to the late 12th-early 13th century, stands out as one of the most distinctive sculptural types developed by ancient Cambodians. As protectors of Buddhist teachings, pairs of lion images were often placed at temple doors and monumental stairways, where their remnants can still be seen in several temple remains at Angkor and ancient Khmer sites in Thailand like Lopburi. Not native to Cambodia, lions were depicted as fantastical stylized beasts from the beginning by Khmer artists. This particular Guardian Lion is of the Bayon style, characterized by a wide-open mouth and lips drawn back in a grin. The massive chest is covered by a decorative mane, and the rigid posture befits a temple guardian.