The Buddha Head

The famous Buddha head at Wat Mahathat in Ayutthaya Historical Park, Thailand.

The temple was built in the 14th century but it’s unknown how or when the Buddha head became entangled within the tree roots.
Most likely, it was caused by the 1767 Burmese invasion of Ayutthaya where the city and temples were reduced to ruins; with many Buddha images and faces being vandalized by the attackers. A theory suggests when the temple was left abandoned, the tree grew and became entwined with the Buddha head.

It wasn’t until the 1950’s that the Dept. of Fine Art of Thailand began restoration work in Ayutthaya; updating and making the park beautiful once again.