The chofas, placed at the apex of a Buddhist temple roof, here in Bangkok.
Buddhist temple chofas are iconic architectural elements of temples in Thailand, Burma, and Laos. Placed at the ends of rooflines, these slender sculptures, recognizable by their undulating and upward-curving shape, are more than mere decoration. They constitute true spiritual symbols, closely linked to religious iconography and the sacred conception of architecture.
Both autonomous sculptures and structural elements, chofas hold a central place in the aesthetics of Southeast Asian sanctuaries. This article aims to explore their origin, symbolism, and main characteristics.
The term chofa can be translated as “sky beak”(cho: beak, fa: sky). This name refers to the characteristic shape of these ornaments, often compared to a stylized beak or a mythical creature reaching for the sky.
Chofas appear mainly on major religious buildings, including :
Iconographically, the chofa can evoke :
These figures bear witness to the exchanges between Hindu and Buddhist traditions in the region.
The chofa symbolically protects the temple that houses the images of the Buddha. Like the nāga, the kinnara or Garuda, it belongs to the retinue of protective beings in Southeast Asian Buddhism. It visually marks the sacred character of the building containing Buddha statues, often accompanied by thephanom in adoration.
Although their appearance varies by region and period, chofas share common traits that allow them to be identified.
Traditionally crafted from carved wood, often gilded, chofas can also be made of metal.
Chofas are fixed to the ends of roof gables, accentuating the verticality and spiritual symbolism of the building.
Some antique chofas from Buddhist temples in Southeast Asia now circulate on the art market. Their identification relies on the quality of carving, materials, and their original architectural context.
We regularly offer a selection of antique chofas from Buddhist temples, chosen for their quality and authenticity. All, without exception, come from the former collection of Claude de Marteau.
Archival photographs of Claude de Marteau’s chofa collection.
Architectural elements related to chofas: nagas.
Chofas bear witness to a deeply symbolic conception of religious architecture in Southeast Asia. Their presence at the top of temples is not merely decorative, but stems from a precise spiritual and structural intent.
When they appear on the market, these elements retain this dimension. Understanding them allows for a full appreciation of their significance, beyond their aesthetic value alone.
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