The Nok Hatsadiling, a creature of the Buddhist Himaphan forest made from the combination of an elephant head with various combinations of other animals or fish. The funeral rites and cremation of royalty and high-ranking monks in Thai Theravada Buddhism are shown honor by the creation of a chariot/pyre made in the likeness of the Nok Hatsadiling, typically in the form of an elephant/swan hybrid. Other species may be used (as in the upper left of the picture group where the feet of a lion and the tail of a fish are included). The back of the Nok Hadsadiling carries a spired prasat containing the coffin or urn.
Making the Nok Hatsadiling
Building a Hatsadiling
Read More