Angkor Wat, Cambodia – This article identifies working counts and locations of all devata (sacred female) images in Angkor Wat. We have numerically identified 1,796 devata at the temple, not including those on the high towers.

In her 1926 study, Sappho Marchal cited 1,737 devata, possibly not counting some that are partially completed, worn away, covered by stone blocks (sealed doorways on level A1) or “aerial devata” located on Angkor Wat’s top towers.

Angkor Wat's main structure with key devata locations labeled.

DatAsia’s numbering system identifies devata carvings sequentially in five defined structural areas.

A1 – Angkor Wat Top Level (Bakan) + Central Tower

A2 – Angkor Wat Second Level + 2 Libraries

A3 – Angkor Wat Third Level (outside only) + 2 Libraries

Angkor Wat West Gopura (entry gate)

A4 – The West Gopura – Entry gate to Angkor Wat

A5 – Angkor Wat South + West Gates (no devata at North Gate)

Our numbering convention identifies the Level; Structure; Inside/Outside Location (relative to the center of the temple); Sequential Devata Number + Additional Details (this can include the feature, photographer, raw photo number, etc.)

e.g. A4-GW-I-009-K
This means the devata is located in area A4, Gate West, Inside, Devata #009, photo by Kent Davis

All numbering begins at the southwest corner of each structure and goes sequentially counter clockwise (from South to North on the West Gopura).

Devata Inventory at Angkor Wat

Angkor Wat Devata - West Gopura

A1 – 407

Central Tower – 64   (#001-062)
Central Tower Aerial – 16 (NW-NE-SW-SE x 4)
OUTSIDE – 201   (#001-198)
INSIDE – 126   (#001-124)

A2 – 647

A2 OUTSIDE – 341   (#001-328)
A2 INSIDE – 222   (#001-217)

A2 Libraries
North – 44   (#001-044)
South – 40   (#001-040)

A3 – 414

OUTSIDE – 241   (#001-241)
INSIDE- 0

A3 Libraries
North – 46   (#001-046)
South – 20   (#001-020)

Angkor Wat Devata - West Gopura

West Inside Chambers
Center – 28   (#001-028)
North & South – 8+8   (#001-016)

Cruciform Gallery
North – 34  ( #001-034)
South – 29   (#001-029)

A4 – Gate West – 259

West (OUTSIDE) – 119   (#001-119)
East (INSIDE) – 124   (#001-122)
Entry Chamber North – 8   (#001-008)
Entry Chamber South – 8   (#001-008)

A5 – 69

A5-South Gate – 25   (#001-024)
A5-East Gate – 40   (#001-040)
A5-West Library – 4*   (#001-004)

Total: 1,796 unique devata

*These devata are a different style and appear to have been added during the reign of Jayavarman VII or later. There are other devata with questionable styles that may also have been added later.

The A1 exterior towers may also have as many as 16 devata each, which could increase the inventory by 64 additional devata.

NOTE: Original DatAsia numbers were assigned to correspond with the German Apsara Conservation Project database so that data could be compared.

Unfortunately, the GACP database has numerical anomalies due to later additions. For this reason, some numbers have more than one devata (e.g. 100a, 100b). This, therefore, results in areas such as A1 Outside, where the numerical sequence only goes to 198 but covers a population of 201 devata.

Another issue is that the GACP system numbers counterclockwise, even for devata inside levels A1 and A2. This means that they are numbered right to left (…3, 2, 1) instead of left to right (1, 2, 3…), which is less intuitive when viewing.

When the Devata.org database is complete a final, sequentially perfect number will be assigned to each devata portrait. In the meantime, however, we continue to use the legacy system for easier cross referencing.

King Sihamoni of Cambodia receiving official gifts from newly appointed US Ambassador Carol Rodley, accompanied by Embassy Spokesman and Cultural Attache, John Johnson, and Executive Assistant, LaVonya Hayward.

Phnom Penh, Cambodia (PR WIRE) – Surrounded by crenulated walls and elaborate tropical gardens, Cambodia’s Royal Palace is an exotic world onto itself. Since 1866, this has been the royal abode of this proud nation’s monarchs, whose lineage stretches back to the great Khmer Empire that once ruled most of Southeast Asia.

For nearly 150 years, all important state ceremonies have taken place in the Throne Hall, called Preah Thineang Dheva Vinnichay in Khmer, which means the "Sacred Seat of Judgment."

For nearly 150 years, all important state ceremonies have taken place in the Throne Hall, called Preah Thineang Dheva Vinnichay in Khmer, which means the “Sacred Seat of Judgment.” It was here that King Sihamoni received US Ambassador Carol Rodley, accepting her diplomatic papers and, as protocol dictates, conducting an official exchange of gifts between the two nations. Ambassador Rodley chose her American gifts quite carefully.

Years of foreign service and a true appreciation for Cambodian culture prepared Rodley for her important post. Already a Khmer speaker from an earlier Cambodian assignment in 1997-2000, Rodley began preparing for her royal ceremony weeks in advance. Her research led her to US publisher, Kent Davis, a Khmer history specialist and researcher with Devata.org.

“My books are primarily for Cambodians and academics, so I was curious when a Virginia woman sought out these specialized titles. That woman was Ambassador Rodley,” said Davis.

"Earth in Flower" and "Angkor the Magnificent"

Rodley chose two books and a DVD as official gifts to include in her ceremony: “Earth in Flower” by Dr. Paul Cravath, the most complete history of Cambodian dance ever published; “Angkor the Magnificent” by Helen Churchill Candee, an evocative account of the Khmer Empire; and a rare digital copy of a 1962 film about Cambodian dance featuring the King’s sister, Princess Buppha Devi, from the US National Archives.

Weeks later in the gilded Throne Hall, the newest United States Ambassador presented her credentials to King Sihamoni in his native language and wearing a Khmer silk business suit. Presentation of her diplomatic credentials was soon followed by the uniquely American gifts of Cambodian scholarship, which delighted her royal host.

The Ambassador’s actions and her gifts embody American appreciation and respect for Cambodian culture. With diplomatic empathy like this, I believe the United States can regain its reputation as a world leader known for sharing knowledge, culture and freedom. I’m honored my books were part of this event,” said Davis.

Website: www.DatAsia.us

Contact: Kent Davis kdavis@DatAsia.us Direct line 941-778-3086 (FL, USA)

Publisher: DatASIA, Inc. is a US publisher affiliated with the Independent Book Publishers Association, and Small Publishers Association of North America. The company has offices in Florida, USA and Bangkok, Thailand. www.DatAsia.us

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Scholars of the French colonial period created many profound studies of the Khmer Empire and the rich Khmer cultural legacy that still resonates throughout Southeast Asia.

Angkor Wat Devata - West Gopura

Few of these French works have been translated into English. Many books and papers have vanished or drifted into obscurity.

As Cambodia progresses towards a brighter future it is experiencing a renaissance of self awareness. Cambodians and people around the world are becoming more interested in learning about Khmer heritage.

Devata.org is is focusing on works related to the role of women in Khmer history and the art of Cambodian dance.

We have a number of antique French texts in progress that will offer modern readers new perspectives and knowledge about the Khmers. Basic translation is complete for some of these but we are seeking expert translators to assist in refining the works for final publication in book form.

Even more Cambodian citizens could enjoy these works if they can be translated into Khmer and we are also seeking funding and support on that front.

Publication costs for the French-English works are privately subsidized as there seems to be little commercial value for these works. Limited compensation for translation assistance  is possible, however the primary motivation should be a passion for this topic, a publication credit and making a significant contribution to the field of Cambodian woman’s studies. All participants will receive copies of the completed book(s) and inclusion in all press releases and online media.

If you are interested in helping as a credited translator in either French-English or English-Khmer translations please contact me directly.

kentdavis@gmail.com

Angkor Wat Devata - West Gopura, west wall

A growing body of evidence indicates that:

1. The women depicted at Angkor Wat may be one of the primary reasons for the temple’s existence.

2. One of the temple’s primary functions, perhaps the primary function, was to honor these women and the feminine forces they represent.

3. These women and their importance were probably key aspects of the social-political-religious ideology of the Khmer society.

4. These female portraits, therefore, would represent important, intelligent and powerful women who were a vital force in the expansion and administration of the Khmer Empire.

I, for one, am absolutely certain that they these women are not “decorations for bare limestone walls” or “a harem to serve the king in heaven.”

Bold words, apparently, because no scholar in 150 years has published anything resembling these statements (with the brilliant exception of Trudy Jacobsen in her new book “Lost Goddesses.” I apologize if I’ve missed other papers – please contact me with information about them so I can publish or promote them on this site).

So how is it that the sacred women of Angkor Wat have been ignored and trivialized for so long?

It starts with not saying anything. I think the time has come to say something.

I invite readers to begin promoting the visibility and significance of Khmer women in Khmer history.Posting information on blogs, writing articles and updating Wikipedia entries are all worthwhile endeavors.

The time has come to suggest that the woman at Angkor Wat are important and represent something other than “decorations”. And there are quite a few related Wiki topics that lack this information.

Case in point…our male-centric world is “linga crazy.” (-:

My understanding is that the “linga” is meaningless and powerless without the “yoni.” Our world thrives through balancing male and female forces. Personally, I think this philosophy is what led to the ascendancy of the Khmer civilization.

But looking at the listings for linga and yoni on Wikipedia we find articles that are clearly out of balance.

Isn’t every linga paired with a yoni?  So how is it even possible, to write a long, in depth  article about the male half of this pair, without mentioning the female counterpart?

The story of the women of Angkor Wat must also out of balance.

Imagine archaeologists 1,000 years in the future discovering the National Portrait Gallery in London…and ignoring the paintings as “decorations to decorate the bare walls.”

Is the situation at Angkor Wat any less absurd? In the very near future, my goal is to make it impossible to write about Angkor Wat without articulating the dominance, and potential significance, of the women honored there.

The “wallpaper days” will be over, with your help.

There are may new ideas in the field of Khmer research that acknowledge women. But if a tree falls in the forest and no one is there to hear it, does it make a sound?

Please consider spreading the word on Wikipedia, in articles, blogs, comments, etc.  I am happy to assist with ideas, citations, references, photos, quotes or whatever I can contribute.

kentdavis@gmail.com