35TS.29 28PS

 

29. Sambor Prei Kuk:

We recall that the Sambor Prei Kuk complex dates back to the pre-Angkorian Chenla Kingdom (late 6th to 9th century). The central part of the site is divided into three main groups. Each group has a square layout surrounded by a brick wall. The principal material is brick, but sandstone is also used mainly for steps and door frames. There are currently three proposed projects and three that are on-going.
The ad hoc group of experts highly appreciates the planning behind the conservation and restoration operations and implementation of the project, carried out according to appropriate procedures, and also appreciates the achievements in terms of capacity building and cooperation with the Waseda University team (Tokyo).

A. General Recommendations:

i. some temples are still the places of worship where rituals are also performed by the inhabitants. When carrying out conservation and restoration, explain the purpose to them and be sure they understand it;
ii. make sure that the restoration of the upper surface of the brick platform is properly carried out and to prevent the infiltration of rain water by setting up a flow system towards the outside;
iii. Take appropriate measures to safeguard and protect the plaster decorations which are still visible on the surface of the brick walls.

B. Special Recommendations:

i. in Tower S2, it is necessary to consider a waterproofing treatment of the floor surface of the chamber where the mandapa is located, after having consolidated it, and to ensure that its walls are water-proof. Then it is possible to proceed with the removal of the protective shelter;
ii. The Towers Z1 and Z3 are structural remains that require an urgent intervention. Besides, pathological study is required with a view to treating the deformations observed all around;
iii. concerning the Tower C1, given the complexity of its physical state, structural engineering work must be carried out, in particular, to better understand the buckling strength of the door frames and the tie beam of the sandstone lintels of the C1 and N2 towers;
iv. Regarding Tower N1, a study on the surrounding vegetation must be carried out for presentation at the next CIC in order to study the possible deterioration and appropriate measures to be taken. In addition, it is recommended to pay special attention to the placement of additional bricks.