Kinnari

Statue of a kinnara in Bangkok's Wat Phra Kaew

Kinnari (also spelt Kinaree and Ginnaree; Burmese: kin-na-yi) are half-bird half-women creatures in Thai, Cambodian and Lao, and Burmese mythology. One of the many creatures that inhabit the mythical Himapan Forest, Kinnari has the head, torso, and arms of a woman and the wings, tail and feet of a swan. She is renowned for her dance, song and poetry, and is a traditional symbol of feminine beauty, grace and accomplishment. One of the ancient Indian string instruments also is known as Kinnari Veena. The male counterpart of Kinnari is Kinnara (or Kinnon).

Burmese Buddhists believe that out of the 136 past animal lives of Buddha, four were kinnara. The kinnari is also one of the 108 symbols on the footprint of Buddha. In addition, Burmese kinnari are depicted with covered breasts.

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