English: 19th century gilt bronze Garuda. Flaming hair bears sun and moon. Garuda (devourer') is a legendary bird-like being popular in both Hindu and Buddhist mythology. In Tibet, Garuda acts as a guardian, protecting his followers from mythical serpent spirits or nagas. Here, he wears snakes around his neck to show his predatory strength. He is popularly represented with the body of a male warrior. The conjoined sun and moon on his head symbolises spiritual enlightenment.

Garuda is said to be able to sweep across the cosmos with one flap of his wings. He is frequently depicted above niches enshrining images of gods. In India, Garuda is best known as the vehicle (vahana) of the Hindu god Vishnu.

Picture taken at the British Museum, London, UK.