Archaeologists discover mysterious turtle statue in Angkor Wat pond
By New Straits Times - May 10, 2020 @ 12:28pm ARCHAEOLOGISTS from the APSARA National Authority (ANA) recently discovered a large statue of a turtle buried at the bottom of a pond in the Angkor Wat area. The turtle, according to experts, was likely involved in the preparation of spiritual offerings during construction of the Angkor Wat Temple, and offerings to Hindu deity Vishnu. The Phnom Penh Post reported that the team of archaeologists had discovered a large turtle sculpture that is made of ancient sandstone. APSARA is the Cambodian management authority responsible for protecting the Angkor Archaeological Park. Archaeologist Chea Socheat said there was no refinement to the decorative design, but the turtle shell has a rectangular lid as if there was something hidden in it. The turtle statue, he said, was associated with the spirit offering festival during the construction of the Angkor Wat Temple foundation and was a Vishnu offering associated with the Sea of Milk churning ceremony