Elephants have always played a major role in the history of the Khmer Empire. They led men to battle and were also revered. This elegantly carved stone bas-relief can be seen in many depictions of the elephant on the walls of Angkor Thom.
All of the carved stone bas-reliefs told a story of life and of the deities during the time that Angkor Thom was built.
Just like the larger statue at the Cambodian temples, this small statue at Angkor Thom was adorned with cloths from the monks. Incense was always allowed to burn at this temple.