Thai “Nats” Carvings

A pair of lively, polychrom wooden figures, one male and one female, depicted in dance, mounted on display stands. These hand-carved, colorful figures represent “Nats,” or nature spirits, and are dressed in traditional Thai costume, with the male figure adorned in a tiger-head cap. Prior to the introduction of Buddhism, Thai culture was rooted in animism, with Nats revered as important nature spirits. As Buddhism spread, these figures were integrated into Buddhist temples, where Nat statues are still commonly seen today.