CAMBODIA: A restoration team working in Angkor Archaeological Park recovered 6 sandstone statues beneath the southern gate of Ta Prohm Temple, a monastery and center of learning that once housed 12,500 people. The statues depict Buddha being sheltered by Naga, a protective serpent, and Avalokiteshvara, a bodhisattva. The artworks date to the 12th or 13th century, during the reign of Jayavarman VII (reigned 1181–1218), the first Khmer king to adopt Buddhism. During his rule, the king embarked upon a massive building campaign that included Ta Prohm.