Decorative panels

This panel at the Baphuon shows a large ox

My visit to the Baphuon didn't go to plan and as it was closed for the weekend, I didn't get to see the outstanding decorative panels and bas-reliefs that are on the pyramid itself. However, I did get to see some of the panels that are on the reconstructed western gopura and these give a flavour of the ones to be found on the main monument. They show scenes of individual animals or men fighting animals and suchlike. For a taste of what I hope to find on my next visit, though I expect much better quality and preservation, here are some of the panels from the gopura's walls, which can be visited even if the central pyramid is closed.

Man and beast, an ox I believe, in a duel

One animal kills another, though it looks like this ox has developed a taste for animal flesh

This warrior is either fighting or trying to control a horse

The bottom panel shows two horses rearing up against each other, or they could be just making friends

Another man versus beast decorative panel, this time a horse is being brought under control

This Baphuon panel shows a man engaged in a fight to the death with a lion