Vintage Brass Burmese Chinthe Figure

This is a statue of a Chinthe, a mythical creature that is a lion-like guardian in Burmese culture. Origin: The Chinthe originated from Indian Hindu mythology and is closely related to the Chinese guardian lions or Foo Dogs. Symbolism: Chinthes represent power, protection, and guardianship. They are often placed at entrances of temples, pagodas, and other important buildings in Myanmar to ward off evil spirits and protect the inhabitants. Appearance: Chinthes typically have the body of a lion, with a prominent mane and a stylized, ornate head. They may be depicted with wings or flames, and often have a single horn on their forehead.