Nats are an integral part of Burmese culture, and carvings of these mythical beings were placed in Buddhist temples, pagodas, home shrines, other spiritual structures, and in everyday non-religious and functional-and-utilitarian contexts such as ox-cart ornaments. Nats took various forms including nature spirits of trees, rocks, and rivers, mythological figures, or humans who died unnatural deaths, and worship of them is focused on keeping them out of trouble by propitiating and rewarding them with offerings, as they provide favors only as long as they are rewarded. Burmese nat worship originated in prehistoric times when it was associated with agricultural endeavors and focused on land, sky, and water spirits. Most Burmese villages had a shrine (nat sin) for the nat guarding the village, including forest and mountain guardians and those who protect homes, inhabitants, and agricultural pursuits.
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Burmese ox carts are often decorated with carved teak ornaments attached to the yoke/cart crosspiece with a similar function of protection and guidance as the figurehead prow on a ship. This ornament of a man moving up a hill is probably a Burmese nat that wascinitially brightly painted andnow is mounted on a wood and metal stand.
This wonderful teak carving may be an indigenous Burmese Nat placed atop a large fleur-de-lis shield reflecting British influence. Wearing a local native sarong (longyi) with an attractive border drawn up between his legs, a decorative pointed collar covers his chest and shoulders, his headgear is pointed at each side, the eyes are mother of pearl, and the red-painted lips are what remains of what was likely a fully painted carving.
This fine vintage teak carving depicts a Burmese dancer holding a sword with his right hand behind his head. His attire includes elements of formal court dress: a court cap, a top with long sleeves ending at the wrists and collar with half-round segments, and a skirt-like sectioned pants with dramatic wing-like projections. Also, males and females could not touch during the performance. As a set, the three panels the Female Farmer with a Hoe (T052C-BLE), Female Farmer with a Basket (T052B-BLE) and the Court Dancer T052A-BLE) would make a unique and charming wall arrangement.
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