Guardian Lion

One of the most distinctive sculptural types developed by ancient Cambodians is the guardian lion. Considered protectors of Buddhist teachings, lion sculptures often flanked temple doors and monumental stairways. Lions were not native to Cambodia, leading Khmer artists to conjure them as rather fantastical stylized beasts. The lion here reflects a style associated with the Bayon temple (1200s–1300s), with its gaping mouth and lips drawn back in a potentially threatening grin. The massive chest is covered by a decorative mane, and the rigid posture befits a staunch temple guardian.