Early style Thtip Mam, late twelfth century or early thirteenth century. Sandstone long. 60 cm width. 41 cm high. 62 cm (Natural History Museum in Lyon, No. 81000013).

This piece of architectural decor evokes the naga-balustrade Khmer prepared, particularly those of Preah Khan, for their movement and the virtual absence of cap. We find, however, throughout the history of Champa sculpture pattern of multi-headed naga (often three-headed). Thus, for example, in the adornment of the Dvârapâla gopura Dong Du'o'ng, or deities of templions surrounding the temple of My Son B. But it was not until the second half of the tenth century it appears Crested (we have here a distant relic), and then it is rather associated with the cult of Vishnu. Here it is rather a parapet. The nose shape, it is typically cham, with rows of sharp teeth, not round. Finally note that the floral decoration, from which emerge the mythical animals, also coincides with their hairstyles, where the caps are gone. The stylization of the neck also dates the work.

"The works of the Cham Museum of Natural History in Lyon Emmanuel Guillon

Article de "La Lettre de la SACHA" n°1, july 1997, page 6.