Mythical wild goose (hamsa)

In many Hindu and Buddhist contexts the wild goose (seen here in a highly stylized form) is associated with soaring high above the earth, and thus with detachment and spiritual attainment. In both northern and central Thailand a wooden or metal sculpture of a wild goose may be affixed to a tall pole in the precincts of a temple or palace. In central Thailand lines of poles topped with sculptures of wild geese such as this have also been used in the staging of elaborate royal funerals. In recent times wild goose sculptures atop poles sometimes have been used as light fixtures, with an electrified lamp suspended from the beak.

The hollow rod rising in the middle of this goose's back may have supported a tiered honorific parasol.