Burmese Animist Figures, Nat or Chinthe.

These sculptures are reminiscent of certain chinthe, protective mythological lions found at the entrance to Burmese temples, or even two manusssiha (lion-human hybrid creatures) although their anthropomorphic features are unusual.
These sculptures appear to be hybrids, combining human and animal features, which is characteristic of many animist traditions in Southeast Asia, including Burma.
Animism is based on the belief that spirits inhabit objects, animals and natural elements. In traditional Burmese and Thai art, this belief has often merged with Buddhism, giving rise to representations of hybrid guardians, often inspired by mythical creatures.
Dimensions (For the largest): H 34 cm x W 20 cm x D 19 cm
Provenance: Claude de Marteau Collection
Sold with certificate of provenance.
These figures could be:
•Protective spirits (nat in Burma): Some nat take animal or hybrid forms and are venerated in shrines.
•Local geniuses who watch over a temple, a village or a forest. Their crouching posture and raised arms suggest a function as guardian-supports, as if they were carrying an invisible structure.
•Modified chinthe or singha forms: In Buddhism, lions are protectors of temples, but in an animist context, they could embody a wild force tamed into a benevolent guardian.
The anthropomorphic aspect could indicate a transition between man and animal, a common theme in representations of spirits in the animist traditions of Southeast Asia.
See these Burmese animist figures in full screen mode on Vintage Addict

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