Harihara

In the early period of the Phnom Da style (7^th century) Khmer art had already adopted the hieratic and frontal qualities it is known for. However it did associate style with a realistic, soft modelling: the torso, for example, is reminiscent of post-Gupta Indian sculptures from the 6th -7th century.

Originating from a Vaishnavite context, all the art in the Phnom Da style is characterised by similar yet somewhat contradictory traits: slender torsos, slightly chubby abdomens, stylised oval faces, and realistic-looking hairstyles falling in the back of the statues.

A divinity originating from syncretic tendencies within Brahminism, Harihara was of great importance during this period where it granted dual protection to the worshippers of both Vishnu and Shiva. This era also blended several styles that sometimes overlapped, a diversity in stark contrast with the Angkor period where stylistic consistency was to become much more pronounced.

The support arch, remains of which are on  the upper side of the sculpture, which connected the arms to the head and would fully surround the god is a testament to the care with which sculptors would treat the making of their art during the pre-Angkor era.