Today I continue sharing my photos of Cambodia, even though A Traveler’s Library is in the midst of England week. The truth is, I have very few pictures of England because I have spent such brief periods there.
Asparas at Bayon
Additionally, I want to continue with Cambodia and show you some of the carvings that amazed me when I was visiting the Bayon Temple at Siem Riep, not far from the more famous Angkor Wat. To put this in perspective, you have to remember that the art was created during what was known as the late Middle Ages in Europe (in the 12the and 13th centuries). At that time, Europeans had no knowledge of the cultures of southeast Asia and vice versa. Each thought, as people tend to do, that they were the center of the universe and the height of civilization.
What the art of the two countries have in common during that period is that most art was created to tell religious stories to people who could not read. At Angkor Wat the carvings depict wars and one particularly graphic wall depicts what your life will be like in hell. That one reminded me of the Christian paintings of suffering souls burning and being tortured by Satan. However, I was particularly drawn to the bas reliefs at the Bayon that showed every day life–some of which has changed very little over the centuries. The Christian paintings and carvings of Europe and the temple bas relief carvings of Cambodia–which were indeed the height of civilization?
Preparing for a barbeque?
Baking the bread
Let's have a brewski with that barbecued pork.
Midwife massages back of pregnant woman
Giving Birth
When you visit Siem Riep you are confronted with an array of art that rivals the Louvre or the Hermitage in quantity, if not variety (although with both Buddhist and Hindu art in most temples, you get quite a bit of variety, too.) I could have taken pictures of these bas reliefs for weeks. “Oh, look at this one!” “Oh, look here!” As a traveler–you know the feeling, I’m sure.
These photos are part of Travel Photo Thursday, and to see more travel photos, click over to Budget Traveler’s Sandbox. There you can see photos from around the world from a great variety of travel writers and photographers.
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About the Author:
A freelance writer who loves to travel. When she is not traveling she is reading about travel. When she is not reading or traveling, she is sharing with the readers of A Traveler's Library, recreating her family's past at Ancestors In Aprons. She writes frequently for Reel Life With Jane and other websites. Also co-author of a biography, Quincy Tahoma, The Life and Legacy of a Navajo Artist. Contact Vera Marie by e-mail.
Vera Marie Badertscher – who has written 684 posts on A Traveler's Library.
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Tags: Angkor Wat, Bayon Temple, Cambodia, Siem Riep, travel photography
This was a very informative post! It’s interesting how art from different cultures are similar since they depict similar subjects, such as religion. Nice photos too!
Mary would like you to read..How We Quadrupled Our Blog Traffic In 6 Months
Great pictures. Having visited Angor Wat and the surrounding photos I thought the best were at Banteay Srei
You can see some pictures I posted here
http://www.touristlink.com/use.....bodia.html
I’ve probably told you that I have been to Angkor Wat twice, and want to go back again. This was one of my favorite temples. You have captured the reliefs beautifully.
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Nancie would like you to read..Travel Photo Thursday — April 26, 2012 — My Five Most Popular Travel Shots on Flickr
Nancie: Did you also visit Banteay Srei? Because once I had seen that, everything else paled in comparison.But, yes, Bayon is spectacular.
Thanks for another glimpse into Cambodia. These stone carvings are so interesting!
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Sabrina would like you to read..Kermit Sandhills: Fun With ATVs in the Texas Sand Dunes
Every single temple in Siem Reap is intriguing, especially when as an Indian I know what they are depicting.
Absolute gem.
I have also clicked 1000s of pictures there while I was volunteering early this year. Here are some http://www.facebook.com/media/.....038;type=3
Nisha would like you to read..Celebrating Earth Day
I would have spent the whole day taking pictures of such interesting subject too. These are so wonderful to see and I love seeing their depiction of everyday life. Haven’t been to Cambodia but would love to visit it someday.
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Mary would like you to read..Colors of the Carlsbad Flower Fields
A glimpse into the daily life of another culture or time is always fun! I love the midwife and birth depiction.
Jessica would like you to read..Big Sculptures, Big Ideas
Being a citizen of Nepal, where Hinduism and Buddhism are the most popular religions, I can relate the arts with the ones that are found in the temples in my country.
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rashmi would like you to read..Cheap and Tasty Eats in Boston
Nifty bit of historical linking.
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Dick Jordan would like you to read..Travel Photo Thursday: Natural Disasters, Signs of the Times
Enjoyed your carvings! It is fun trying to decipher the story the picture is trying to tell. I never get it quite right but I will have a brewski with the BBQ pork
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Debbie Beardsley would like you to read..Charming Biarritz & Her Lighthouse
Who knows, Debbie. Maybe you were right and I was wrong about what the scenes are. After all, I got my information from my guide, and guides are notorious for making things up. There are many scholarly studies of the Temples, but I didn’t do in depth research.
Angkor Wat was always on my list now thanks to you Vera, I’ll add Banyon Temple.
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I love these carvings, their depiction of everyday life is so sweet. I can see why it was hard to stop taking photos of each and every one.
InsideJourneys would like you to read..#TPT: A Tour of Jamaica’s King’s House
I like the description and selection of photos of everyday life. It looks to me like they are in fantastic condition. You’ve got me thinking I need to get to Cambodia one day.
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Leigh would like you to read..Nature Up Close in Okefenokee Swamp
Leigh, these particular ones do seem to be in good condition. I don’t know if they’ve been cleaned, but I do know there was a lot of restoration work going on at most of the temples we visited. The saddest thing is to realize that despite the huge amount of art there, probably 10 times as much has been stolen over the years.
I’m enjoying your Cambodia photos, Vera Marie. Really have to visit the country soon.
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Sophie would like you to read..Faroe Islands: Sagas, sushi and street art
Sophie: Can’t wait to see the photos you take when you go to Cambodia.