A 2006 excavation unearthed a fragment of a decorative sculpture from the arched entrance leading into the tower's interior. The recovered artifact is the central section of a tower arch tympanum, depicting a deity standing atop a peacock. The figure is shown with hands held in a ritual mudra and legs planted in a wide stance with knees splayed outward; the thighs appear short, thick, and sturdy. A *sampot* (traditional lower-body garment) is wrapped around the waist, featuring a pointed front panel adorned with decorative patterns.
The exterior of the garment displays bands of ornamentation, arranged in five distinct registers from top to bottom. The uppermost band features large, upward-facing lotus petal motifs, followed by a band of chrysanthemum patterns. The third band consists of a beaded motif linked by a wavy, cord-like line, while the fifth band—mirroring the third—also features large beaded motifs. The sixth band repeats the pattern of the second: the chrysanthemum motif. Beneath the *sampot*, three layers of plain, unpatterned, lightweight fabric are visible. At the bottom, the peacock figure is partially preserved, showing only the head with a sharp beak, a small high crest on the left, and a portion of the tail feathers upturned on the right. This fragment belongs to the tympanum of the Cánh Tiên Tower entrance. Its bold, massive form and robust decorative motifs indicate that the artifact belongs to the Tháp Mẫm artistic style.
The relief of the deity Skanda from Cánh Tiên Tower holds significant value regarding Champa history, archaeology, architecture, and art. The artifact aids in understanding the tower's original appearance and the specific style of its entrance arch decoration. This is a valuable resource for the research, preservation, and promotion of the Canh Tien Tower heritage within the setting of the Vijaya citadel.
