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 Naga for Peace and Development - Battambang, Cambodia Posted by:  Ianatlarge
N 13° 05.532 E 103° 11.958
48P E 304772 N 1448026
A peace monument in the shape of a Naga.
Waymark Code: WM9X45
Location: Cambodia
Date Posted: 10/08/2010
Views: 9
Between September 2005 and September 2007 a variety of organisations in Battambang province, Cambodia (300 kilometres to the north west of Phnom Penh) collected miscellaneous weapons, and then used part of that find to manufacture this statue. The statue has been crafted into a 'Naga', a giant snake, part of both Buddhist and Hindu religious belief, and is both a good and bad creature.
The Naga is particularly iconic in Cambodia, as it is a key feature of Angkor Wat—the largest religious structure in the world, and a symbol of Cambodian cultural identity.
The intent of the statue is to commemorate the peace which now prevails in Cambodia, and to express the hope that this desirable state of affairs will continue into the future. In front of the statue is a plaque inscribed in Khmer, English and Japanese (English text below).
The statue is in a small park to the east of the town.
Text on Monument/Memorial Sign or Plaque:
Naga for Peace and Development
This Peace Monument commemorates the commitment, efforts and hopes of the Cambodian people in breaking away from the violent past in this province, and in establishing a peaceful, non-violent society.
The Monument was created from weapons collected from or with the residents in Battambang province, under the joint cooperation of government Offices, Police, Cambodia NGOs, and JSAC (Japan Assistance Team for Small Arms Management in Cambodia). These weapons were destroyed in public destruction ceremonies held in this province. All of these activities were conducted under the "Peace Building and Comprehensive Small Arms Management program in Cambodia", from September 2005 to September 2007, funded by the Government of Japan.
This Monument was created by artists: Toun Thorneakes, Ou Vanndy, Ouk Chim Vichet and Kim Sandy, with the artistic support and coordination from Sasha Constable and technical support from Developement Support Workshop (DTW) and JSAC.
September 30, 2007
Website about the Peace Monument/Memorial: Not listed
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