Antique Burmese wood carved Nat figure of lady

Description

Antique Burmese wood carved Nat figure of lady
Nat
, in Burmese folk religion, any of a group of spirits that are the objects of an extensive, probably pre-Buddhist cult; in Thailand a similar spirit is called
phi
. Most important of the
nat
s are a group collectively called the “thirty-seven,” made up of spirits of human beings who have died violent deaths. They are capable of protecting the believer when kept properly propitiated and of causing harm when offended or ignored.
Other types of
nat
s are nature spirits; hereditary
nat
s, whose annual tribute is an inherited obligation; and village
nat
s, who protect a community from wild animals, bandits, and illness and whose shrine is attached to a tree or pole near the entrance to the village. Most households also hang a coconut from the southeast pillar of the house in honour of Min Mahagir, the house
nat
.
Nat
s are appeased by offerings of food or flowers, given on all important occasions. Among the special
nat
festivals are those honouring the Taungbyon brothers—a prominent, rather rowdy pair of
nat
s said to have been executed in the 11th century—and the king of the “thirty-seven,” Thagya Min, associated by scholars with the Indian god Indra (known in Myanmar [Burma] as Sakka).
This is a Burmese antique figure from 19th Century Mandalay period, the lady is acted in seating situation.
Handmade of wood in the black lacquer pigment of all body , excepted on the lady 's face is gilted with 100% of gold leaf and hand painted of colorful in eye, red mouth, and foot nails.
It is size in W 5" by H 10" by D 4.5".
A figure has a delicate, pleasure face, and expressive position.
It is remarkably good for its age, may have some wood cracks in someplace by look over the back below a base. But it was an originally ancient piece.
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