Chofah

Chofah ( Thai: ช่อฟ้า, literally sky tufts ) are the characteristic architectural ornaments, which are mounted on the roofs of Buddhist buildings in Thai Wat. They are carved from hardwood and resemble slender, graceful curved fingers pointing in the sky. Each Chofah is mounted in a special ceremony on top of the roof ridge. In royally -sponsored Wat even members of the royal family are present at this ceremony.

The Chofah is usually a highly stylized portrait of Garuda. It often has a beak-like bulge, which then Chofah Krut Phak ( Thai: ช่อฟ้า ปาก ครุฑ ) is called Garuda Beak Chofah. In the Lanna region ( historical kingdom in northern Thailand near Chiang Mai ) and other mythical animals are used as Chofah.

Sometimes small bells are attached, playing in the wind.

Chofah the Viharn, Wat Ched Yot, Chiang Mai

Chofah of ubosot, Wat Phra Singh, Chiang Mai

Chofa the Viharn Luang, Wat Suthat, Bangkok