National Authority for Preah Vihear (NAPV) holds a seminar on the preservation and repair of stones at Koh Ker complex on August 4. NAPV
The National Authority for Preah Vihear (NAPV) recently hosted a workshop on conservation and stone repair techniques at the Koh Ker temple complex.
The August 3-4 event aimed to gather insights from local and international experts on the future conservation and repair of the temples.
Presiding over the workshop were NAPV deputy director-general Hem Sinath, professor Hans Leisen and APSARA National Authority (ANA) deputy director-general Kim Sothin. Also present were representatives from the National Authority for Sambor Prei Kuk (NASPK); National Museum of Phnom Penh; Conservation D’Angkor; World Monument Fund; and Germany’s development agency GIZ.
The NAPV explained on August 5 that the gathering was designed to collect ideas on conservation methods and materials to be used at Prasat Balang and other temples within the Koh Ker complex.
Kong Puthikar, director-general of the NAPV, commented on August 6 that though training had been organised in the past, this was the first time such a workshop had been held.
“The workshop was organised so that local and international experts could share their experiences in stone conservation and repair work in their respective areas,” he said.
He went on to explain that the workshop included both theoretical discussions and practical on-site experience to understand and learn from repair work in various locations.
“We have gained a great deal from this workshop, as we’ve been able to learn from the work experience in other places. We now understand what is being done at Angkor, at Sambor Prei Kuk, and by the German team,” he shared.
Puthikar added that the workshop helped in identifying similarities and differences in repair methods, leading to tailored recommendations for the future conservation and repair of temples at the Koh Ker complex.
He highlighted the value of the workshop in allowing experts to see the Koh Ker complex firsthand, thereby gaining a better perspective to advise on conservation and repair issues in the area.
The collaborative event not only fostered a shared understanding of current practices but also paved the way for a unified approach to preserving Cambodia’s rich architectural heritage, he added.
