The best specimens of 
the decorative art of Ang- 
kor are to be found upon 
these columns, especially 
those in the form of 
pilasters with the lintel 
above them. Indeed, it is 
doubtful if at its best it 
can be surpassed — let us 
say often surpassed, to be 
very careful — by the best 
that can be shown from 
classic remains. Just a 
few inches from the bot- 
tom is usually to be found 
a bearded Buddha, and 
above, a tracery in stone, 
the pattern of which is as 
delicate and graceful as 
fine embroidery. 
The grotesque is some- 
times employed on the ex- 
terior in the form of a 
modified faqade, or pedi- 
ment, over an entrance, 
the motif being sometimes 
a dancing figure, or more 
often an entanglement of 
monkeys. It is to be 
remembered that these 
decorative designs liter- 
ally "crowd the canvas," 
with an evident purpose 
to leave no visible space 
unadorned. True, many 
of the designs are re- 
peated over and over, but 
the number and variety 
are nevertheless amazing. 
Probably the most in- 
teresting of all the deco- 
rations is the several series 
of bas-reliefs, which are 
first in the matter of 
quantity. Here is a par- 
tial summary of the pro- 
cessional bas - reliefs of 
this one structure : 
1. Battle between men 
and monkeys — a favorite 
theme — i6o feet long. 
2. Battle between Hin- 
dus and unknown ene- 
mies, 1 60 feet long. 
3. Hunting procession, 
324 feet long. 
4. Three more battle 
processionals, 171, 219, 
and 300 feet, respectively. 
■^^0im^ -.^sm 
iMiunicrcau Collection 
A oue;e;n with fivk tiaras: wall decoration in 
THE CENTRAL TOWER: ANGKOR WAT 
These are the principal decorative figures in the most con- 
spicuous parts of the temple. The feet had to be put on some- 
how, so the sculptor turned them sideways (see page 240). 
