The "Preta" sculpture, situated above the eastern gopura of Ta Nei Temple in the Angkor area of Siem Reap Province, is a valuable ancient artistic work of the Khmer people, reflecting the beliefs, religion and worldview of people in ancient Khmer society. The sculpture is believed to be more than 900 years old and is associated with the art of the reign of King Jayavarman VII.
In Buddhist belief, it is linked to Avalokiteshvara, who represents compassion and the rescue of sentient beings from suffering. The image of "Preta" in the sculpture conveys ideas about the consequences of wrongdoing and the experience of suffering within the cycle of rebirth, which is part of how religious views were expressed through Khmer art.
Beyond its religious value, the "Preta" sculpture also stands as evidence of the skill and talent of ancient Khmer sculptors in creating works with profound meaning. Today, the sculpture is part of a cultural heritage that merits attention and study, in order to help preserve and disseminate the enduring value of Cambodia's ancient art, culture and beliefs.
The Preta sculpture is also connected to the Bay Ben rice-ball offering tradition that Khmer ancestors have long practiced, which has become a custom preserved to the present day; all of this reflects the identity of Khmer culture.
