Durga Mahishasuramardini

Sambor Prei Kuk
Sandstone, 165 cm (5'5")
Khmer, 1st half of the 7th century
National Museum of Cambodia

This beautifully expressive statue, although missing head and arms, illustrates the glorious heritage of Khmer sculpture in the swollen curves of goddess Durga as she conquers the buffalo demon. And by the way, how do we know this is Durga - just because the museum label tells us so?