Age Estimation :
To estimate the age of this site proved to be complicated due to the fact that carvings on the structure and other architectural features had not been carried out yet. But by considering the layout and shape of the structure, i.e. the steep domed roof, the top of the inner worship chamber additional recessed corners, roof construction and the window on all 4 sides of the bay including the setting of the door frames imitating woodwork comparable to the main structure at Pimai. The art is of Khmer origin, late Bapuan and Ankor Wat at the end of the 16th to early 18th Buddhist century which was used to establish, primarily, the age of Prasat Ta Kwai to be in, approximately, the 17th Buddhist century.
Details :
Name of Ancient Site
The name of this site was derived from nearby geographical aspects which is the Prasat Ta Kwai mountain pass. However, from interview data collected from villagers, it was named after the first villager who found it and thus the name Prasat Ta Kwai (Ta Wai).
Characteristics
Prasat Ta Kwai is a tetrahedron (four gable end) structure facing east with a cross shape layout. The east side is a little longer than the other three sides and it has a low base, the lowest part is laterite and the rest is sandstone. The roof of the inner worship chamber is a 5 layer steep dome, and the bay roofs are like hoods adjoining the 4 gables.
The one artifact found in the inner worship chamber resembles parts of a natural phallus or Svayambhuva Linga. Prasat Ta Kwai is in good shape and the construction of the structure is complete and lacks only the decorations and fixtures which are the gables, lintel, decorative pillars for walls and door frames and wall finishings.
Apart from this, there are sheds and big sandstone boulders scattered around the site.
Ancient Site Proclamation : Not Listed as yet.