Ridge ornament: Chofa Garuda

Roof finial ornament named temple chofa, said, depending on interpretations, to be “Garuda” (Sanskrit: Eagle), mount of the god Vishnu, or “Hong/Hamsa” (Thai: Hong /Sanskrit: Hamsa) depicting the mythical bird or swan/goose, vehicle animal (vahana) of the god Brahma.

• Carved wood, vestiges of red and gold polychromy (Colors of Brahma). Thailand or Myanmar, late 19th / early 20th century.
• Dimensions of chofa without base: 140 cm
• Supplied with white or black steel base, adjustable chofa inclination.
• Provenance: Estate of collector and art dealer Claude de Marteau.
• Sold with certificate of origin.

The Chofa, a symbol of Southeast Asian sacred architecture

The chofa is one of the most characteristic elements of religious architecture in Southeast Asia, primarily in Thailand and Burma. Placed at the ends of gables, it marks the intersection of rooflines and gives temples their slender silhouette. Far more than a simple ornament, it contributes to the spiritual identity of the edifice by symbolizing protection and elevation towards the celestial world.

Its iconography is still debated among specialists. Some recognize Garuda, the divine bird linked to Vishnu, while others identify it with the Hong, or Hamsa in Sanskrit, the mythical bird associated with Brahma. These figures, deeply rooted in Hindu traditions and later integrated into Buddhist art, can be linked to the symbolic universe of temples where the Buddha statue often holds a central place.

On this detail of the chofa, Garuda’s eyes are still visible, along with its gilding mixed with pigments.

Chofas were crafted by specialized artisans and installed at the apex of the most prestigious buildings within religious complexes. Their slender silhouette, accentuated by a dynamic curve, visually lightened heavy timber frames while emphasizing the sacred nature of the architecture.

From the Claude de Marteau Collection, this ornament is a remarkable testament to Southeast Asian sacred architecture and the enduring artistic traditions that unite the Buddhist world and Hindu heritage.