The bas-reliefs on the Angkor temples inspired the Cambodian classical dance I mentioned yesterday. So, in this post, I'll share some photos of the impressive carvings and structures that I took there.
Apsaras represent an important motif in the stone bas-reliefs of the temples, and the ballet-like performance art in Cambodia is often called "Apsara Dance".
Many of the female figures seen on the walls, however, are considered Devatas. Apsaras are smaller dancing figures used as decorative motifs on pillars and walls, whereas Devatas stand still and face forward as temple guardians. I saw more Devatas throughout the complex, from the entrance pavilion to the tops of the high towers. Also, I discovered that the headdresses of contemporary apsara dancers are actually similar to those of Devatas.
Scenes from the Reamker portraying the Rama story are also carved into the outer gallery's inner walls. The vivid depictions of the Hindu epics the Ramayana and the Mahabharata are arranged in a linear fashion and blend in well with the architecture of the buildings.
The bas-reliefs are being protected from damage through some conservation initiatives. About a quarter of the Devatas were in poor condition, primarily as a result of natural erosion and deterioration of the stones. Other tasks involve repairing the collapsed sections of the structure and preventing further collapse. To replace some of the damaged or missing sculptures, replicas have been created.
昨天提到柬埔寨古典舞蹈，其中部分灵感来自吴哥寺庙浮雕上跳舞的天女。所以这次再来分享一些我在吴哥窟拍摄的浮雕和长廊。
柬埔寨的古典芭蕾表演艺术常被称为“阿普萨拉舞”。传说中来自天堂的仙女阿普萨拉Apsara是寺庙石头浮雕的一大主题，不过并不是所有女性雕像都是阿普萨拉。
考古学者认为其中较小的正在跳舞的是仙女阿普萨拉，而更大型的直立石雕则是另一种天人Devata，她们一般四人一组，是庙宇的守护者。从这些女性浮雕的打扮来看，其实当代阿普萨拉天女舞的着装，尤其是头饰，是借鉴天人Devata更多一些。
图文 by Donica，谢谢来访！=)
