This sandstone statue, featuring an elephant's head and a lion's body, was discovered in 1992 within an artifact burial pit south of Canh Tien Tower, part of the Hoang De Citadel National Relic Site. Following its discovery, the artifact was transported for preservation and is currently housed and displayed at the Gia Lai Provincial Museum.
The statue possesses a robust, well-proportioned, and stout form. The elephant head is large yet refined, featuring a broad, flat forehead adorned at the center with a *bodhi* leaf motif, encircled by a string of twenty-eight small, raised dots. The eyes are small and round, with multi-layered eyelids.
The forehead is embellished with layered decorative bands: a lower tier consisting of forty-four dots draping softly, and an upper tier featuring a symmetrical arrangement of stylized lotus petals in profile. At the back of the head, three layers of delicately carved, leaf-like forms drape downwards, gradually decreasing in size.
The large ears are symmetrically flared but show signs of damage; the trunk and both tusks are broken. The neck is thick, short, and stout, accented by bands of small bells interspersed with elongated, sharp tiger-claw motifs. Spiraling patterns combined with flame and upward-pointing spearhead motifs adorn the legs. The tail curves upward toward the back, though only traces running along the spine remain today.
The body is short, stout, and broad; the four legs are short and powerful, conveying a sense of stability. Overall, the piece embodies the Champa sculptural style, characterized by condensed, vigorous forms that express the power and sacred nature of the *Gajasimha* figure. The Gajasimha statue is an authentic and exemplary artifact of Champa stone sculpture, dating from the late 12th to the early 13th century. It reflects masterful stone-carving techniques, a unique artistic vision, and the flourishing development of Champa art during the Vijaya period.
