The archaeological working group from Apsara National Authority (ANA) has unearthed a metal tray at the Angkor Archaeological Park. It was found between the terrace and the library south of Angkor Wat on November 23.

According to the ANA, the tray is 62cm in diameter and 3cm deep. It has a round bottom and the surface is slightly flattened with a lip in the shape of flower petals. There are no decorations or letters on the tray that indicate its exact age.

The authority added that the inventory team of the Department of Conservation of Monuments and Preventive Archaeology are temporarily storing the tray at the ANA’s headquarters where they will register it in their catalog of artifacts and work on identifying it before cleaning and restoring it.

ANA spokesman Long Kosal told The Post on November 24 that the ongoing discovery of sculptures and artifacts helped the nation connect to its heritage and understand its past.

“This discovery is an important part of something we used to think was lost to us. However, when we uncover these artifacts we experience joy as conservationists because what was lost is found again and these discoveries contribute to promoting the value of Cambodian culture and heritage,” Kosal said.