Chin thay (Burmese for ‘lion’) are mythological lion-like creatures (leogryph) that can be seen standing guard at the entrances of pagodas, cities and other important places. Chin thay are sometimes full-body lions but more often they have the rear half of a lion with their front half taking the
Read MoreBronze casting has been a traditional form of art in Myanmar for centuries. In historical times, bronze was used to make musical instruments and essential household goods as well as religiously significant items. Today, Mandalay remains to be the home of many workshops where the countless bronze Bud
Read MoreThe most commonly seen Buddha image depicts the Buddha in a seated posture with the fingers of his right hand touching the earth, symbolising calling the earth to witness victory over Mara, the manifestation of evil. The postures of other seated images include the Buddha with the hands folded on the
Read MoreSpirit worship is popular in Myanmar because Buddhism, the belief of the majority, is the path of taking complete responsibility for one’s actions without any savior to offer succor or mercy. Since Buddhist belief already counts in celestial beings – or angels – also called Nat as creatures of
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