STYLEKhmer Empire, 12th-13th century. This expressively carved and incised fragment was once part of a very large Buddha Muchalinda statue, depicting a naga head with a smaller naga flanking it.Provenance: Belgian private collection. Condition: Good condition commensurate with age, extensive wear, losses, small nicks here and there.Weight: 4.9 kg (incl. stand)Dimensions: Height 30 cm (incl. stand) and 20 cm (excl. stand)In Buddhism the Naga are divine, half-human half-serpent beings that reside in the netherworld (Patala) and can occasionally take human form. They are depicted either as wholly human with snakes on their heads and necks, or as common serpents, or as half-human half-snake beings. A female Naga is called Nagini. Nagaraja is the king of all Nagas and Naginis. Nagas hold considerable cultural significance in the mythological traditions of most Southeast Asian cultures.Mounted on a modern metal stand. (2)Literature comparison: For a large Buddha Muchalinda from the 12th century, missing the top naga head, see Zacke, Fine Chinese Art, Buddhism and Hinduism on 25 April 2020, lot 437.