Worshipped in Buddhist and Hindu Asia, nagas are dragon-like serpents that are half human and half serpent living in the underworld or in waters that move through the earth and fly to the heavens. These semi-divine creatures symbolize abundance and fertility and are guardians of the earth’s waters, venerated for bestowing prosperity and fertility, healing sickness, and granting wishes. As protectors of Buddha and Buddhism they embellish architecture and furnishings in Southeast Asian temples, buildings and homes. In many Hindu myths the gods are protected by nagas.
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Hindu prayer bell used in a temple or home altar for daily puja rituals. Topped by a pair of Garudas and sheltered by Nagas who are natural enemies, but when represented together symbolize peace and serenity of the prayer bell sounds.
This exceptional naga was one of two that comprised a gong stand. Gongs were used in Burma for both ceremonial and musical purposes in religious, state, or secular settings. A protection figure, this naga is a superb carving elaborately decorated with gold lacquer and pigmentation. He opens his mouth wide bearing mother-of-pearl teeth and a curled blood red mouth and tongue to drive away malevolent spirits, also reinforced by the large glaring eyes circled in red. On first glance it is menacing, but its history as a protector of Buddha Shakyamuni make it prized as a fanciful, gleeful guardian. His scales are arched relief designs of mixed lacquer and ash and they are highlighted with inset cut mirrors and green sequin-like glass “jewels.” It is mounted on a museum quality stand and is in excellent condition for its age and use despite missing an ear.
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