Chofa

Chofa (Thai: ช่อฟ้า, pronounced [t͡ɕʰɔ̂ːfáː]; lit. sky tassel) is a Lao and Thai architectural decorative ornament that adorns the top at the end of wat and palace roofs in most Southeast Asian countries, such as Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar. It resembles a tall thin bird and looks hornlike. The chofa is generally believed to represent the mythical creature Garuda, half bird and half man, who is the vehicle of the Hindu god Vishnu.[1]

Two main types of Chofa: Pak Hong; Swan's tip (left) and Pak Khrut; Garuda's tip (right)

Components
  • Horn
  • Tip
  • Breast

Types
  • Swan tip (Pak Hong; ปากหงส์)
  • Garuda tip (Pak Khrut; ปากครุฑ)
  • Fish tip (Pak Pla; ปากปลา)
  • Elephant head (Hua Chang; หัวช้าง)
  • Naga head
  • Bird head (Hua Nok; หัวนก)
  • Lanna (ล้านนา)
  • Others
  • Chofa of Ubosot, Wat Phra Kaeo, Bangkok (Garuda tip Chofa)
  • Chofa of Viharn, Wat Ched Yot, Chiang Mai (Elephant head Chofa)
  • Chofa of Ubosot, Wat Phra Singh, Chiang Mai (Lanna art Chofa)
  • Chofa of Viharn Luang, Wat Suthat, Bangkok (Fish tip Chofa)
  • Chofa of Wat Monthian, Chiang Mai (Naga head Chofa)
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References
  1. Döhring, Karl (2000). Buddhist Temples of Thailand: An Architectonic Introduction'. White Lotus Press. ISBN 974-7534-40-1.


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