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Khmer Sbai Evidence in Longvek Period Bas-reliefs at Angkor Wat Thursday, March 19, 2026
Khmer Sbai Evidence in Longvek Period Bas-reliefs at Angkor Wat
By Architect Posuthea | Ancient Art Content
The "Sbai" is a vital element of ancient Khmer women's attire, used to cover the upper body. There are various types and designs of Khmer Sbai, each utilized differently based on occasion, social hierarchy, and gender, all deeply rooted in the sophisticated traditions of ancient Khmer civilization. Interestingly, the "Sbai" was also notably worn by Khmer men on certain occasions, following specific and unique traditional rules.
On this occasion, we would like to highlight significant sculptural evidence depicting the "Use of Sbai by Khmer women during the Longvek Period," carved onto the walls of Angkor Wat.
Why are there Longvek-era carvings on the walls of the Angkor-era Angkor Wat?
According to two inscriptions found alongside two long panels—where both the carving technique and artistic style differ significantly from other panels in Angkor Wat—it is revealed that between 1546 and 1564: "His Majesty Preah Bat Samdech Borom Reacheathirat Ramathipadei Borom Chakrapattireach (King Ang Chan I, the founder of Longvek) ordered his officials to lead royal artisans to complete the carving of two panels in the corner gallery (Northeast gallery), which had remained unfinished since the reign of King Mahavisnuloka (King Suryavarman II, the founder of Angkor Wat)." Full details can be read in the book Inscriptions of Middle Period Cambodia.
This means: "Two galleries of Angkor Wat were originally left blank without carvings until the reign of King Ang Chan I. As a monarch who deeply valued ancestral heritage, he commissioned the royal artistic department to complete the carvings." This further informs us that: "Even after 400 years (from the 12th to the 16th century), Khmer kings never forgot the names and achievements of their glorious Angkorian ancestors."
These bas-reliefs show "women of the Khmer royal court dressed in: Sampot Samloy, wearing the Sbai across the shoulder, adorned with bracelets, anklets, necklaces, earrings, hairpins, and a unique bun hairstyle. In their hands, they hold ceremonial objects according to their roles, such as: betel nut trays (Phan Preah Srei), spittoons, and fans, etc." These depictions bear a striking resemblance to photographs of Khmer court ladies during the reign of King Sisowath Monivong.
>>> Knowing ourselves clearly makes us the best successors.
#Art #BasRelief #Sbai #KhmerSbai #Longvek #AngkorWat
#Cambodia #Khmer
