The Small Apsara Head

Patina Illusion Sculpture Made from Papier-mâché, Original and Sustainable!

Apsaras are beautiful, supernatural female beings. They are youthful and elegant, and superb in the art of dancing. They are often wives of the Gandharvas, the court musicians of Indra. They dance to the music made by the Gandharvas, usually in the palaces of the gods, and entertain and sometimes seduce gods and men.

As ethereal beings who inhabit the skies, and are often depicted taking flight, or at service of a god, they may be compared to angels. Apsaras are sometimes compared to the Muses of Ancient Greece, with each of the 26 Apsaras at Indra’s court representing a distinct aspect of the performing arts.

Khmer female figures that are dancing or are poised to dance are considered apsaras, depicted individually or in groups, who are standing still and facing forward in the manner of temple guardians or custodians are called devatas.