Burmese Puppet Mythological Garuda Bird
Burmese Puppet Mythological Garuda Bird
In Burmese folklore and traditional marionette theater, the Burmese Puppet Mythological Garuda Bird is known as the Galon, a powerful mythical avian deity. It is a distinct character, separate from the ogres of the puppet stage. In contrast, the two types of ogres are the Nan Belu, or city demon, and the Taw Belu, or jungle demon. The Nan Belu is considered more powerful than its rival, the Taw Belu, and they frequently perform together in a traditional conflict.
This Garuda is believed to be extremely strong and very powerful and is present as one of the one hundred and eight signs in the footprint of the Buddha referred to as Supanna-raja or Galon King.
The Garuda holds profound symbolic significance across Southeast Asia, appearing in diverse artistic representations. He is traditionally depicted as a hybrid figure, combining the wings and avian features of an eagle with a human torso. The Garuda is typically adorned with royal jewelry, such as earrings, bracelets, and anklets. In mythological narratives, he is often shown holding emblems of the deity Vishnu or a vessel containing the nectar of immortality, known as Amrita in Sanskrit or Amata in Pali.
SPECIFICATIONS:
- AGE: – 19th – early 20th Century
- CONSTRUCTION: – Wood, silver sequins, glass beads, thayo lacquer on head area, glass mosaics and beads
- LENGTH: – 95cm
- WEIGHT: – 4.35 kg.
- CONDITION: Some of the glass stones missing (see images) These have two different types of sequins sew into the fabric, traditional silver and thicker silver sequins.
- #6a
