Recent excavations at the north gate of the Royal Palace of Angkor Thom have led to the remarkable discovery of 12 sandstone door guardian statues, according to a news release of the APSARA National Authority. This archaeological effort was a collaborative project between the APSARA National Authority and the China-Cambodia Government Team for Safeguarding Angkor (CCSA), the source underlined. Archaeologist Sorn Chanthorn reported that these statues were uncovered while studying the gate's structure and searching for fallen stones. Notably, the 12th statue was found buried at a depth of 140 cm. The statues vary in size and shape, with those on the first level measuring 110 centimetres in height and those on the second level at 100 centimetres. Each statue features unique facial hair ornaments, adding to their distinctiveness. After the discovery, the news release pointed out, the archaeological team documented the statues' original locations, took photographs, and prepared for cleaning and restoration befo re returning them to their initial positions. Experts believe these door guardian statues exemplify the Khneang Style, aligning with the construction period of the 11th-century palace, said the release. Source: Agence Kampuchea Presse