He is also known by the names, Shwe Hpyin Naunhdaw and Shwe Hpyin Gyi. His father was Byatta, the royal messenger and his mother was Me Wunna, the flower eater of Mount Popa. Min Gyi and his younger brother Min Lay were killed on the orders of King Anawrahta for leaving gaps between the bricks in the construction of the Taungbyone pagoda.
There are altogether 37 different Nat spirits that can be identified in Burmese folklore. In lively celebrations referred to as Nat Pwe, the Nat spirit’s lives are celebrated with food, music and drinks.
It is very difficult to find antique Nat wood carvings undamaged and without repairs as is the case here. This charming Nat is in excellent condition with only superficial wear expected with an artifact nearly a century old. Antique Nat spirit wood carvings very rarely become available nowadays.
In Burma, the popularity of spirit guardians called Nat date back to pre-Buddhist animist beliefs. Wood carvings of Nat are found in homes and on the platforms of Buddhist shrines.
Characteristics
Height: 47cm, 18.5 in
Width: 12cm, 4.7 in
Depth: 16cm, 6.3 in
Period: Early 20th Century
Provenance: Mandalay, Burma
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