The Apsara were heavenly female figures in Hindu mythology and the name came to be ascribed to the Khmer king's wives and concubines. Three little creases on the belly signify the woman already gave birth. This shot was taken in our 2011 visit to Siem Reap, Cambodia. A visit I would recommend. This Cambodian temple monastery complex was built late 12th to 13th centuries to essentially saintify a king’s mother and father. It influenced the set designs of Disneys Jungle Book and has been the setting of movies including one of the Tomb Raiders. Archeologists restored it only partially and left it overgrown because of the aesthetic appeal and the desire of locals to keep it this way. The decay and tree growth also makes it great camera fodder. See all the Te Prohm images in my gallery.
