While in Phnom Penh, I decided to make a unplanned visit to the National Museum. Though not my first time, the visit was as interesting and worthwhile as always. The major draw this time, though, was nothing else but a new exhibit on rare Angkorian gold and jewelry, never seen before in Cambodia.
A recent donation by British businessman and an author of Khmer Gold Douglas A. J. Latchford, the collection dates back to the 11th-12th century. It comprises of exquisitely designed belts, rings, headdresses and diadems, crowns, earrings, armbands, chignon covers and bracelets, believed to be worn by ancient Khmer kings in the heydays of the Khmer Empire. While their age and origin remain unclear, the items were found by Latchford in antique stores in Bangkok.
Some of the jewelry currently on display. Please excuse my abuse of the “no photography in the museum” rule.
The sight of them totally stunned me. Until that very day, I had always thought that these precious items had already been lost. I am thankful to Mr. Latchford, who was so kind to return them to Cambodia. Your kindness will be forever remembered by all Cambodians, and I’ll proudly say that you are one of the rare heroes out there that our world needs.
As for my readers, please don’t miss this exhibit! Do stop by the National Museum whenever you have a chance. I guarantee you will love this!
